Which one of the following air pollutants combines with the haemoglobin of human blood and reduces its oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to suffocation and may cause even death?
Chlorofluorocarbon
Fly ash
Carbon monoxide
Sulphur dioxide
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This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2016
The formation of carboxyhaemoglobin reduces the amount of haemoglobin available to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. This leads to oxygen deprivation, causing symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, suffocation and death. Other listed pollutants do not primarily affect oxygen transport in this manner. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer. Fly ash is particulate matter from combustion. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a respiratory irritant and contributor to acid rain.