carbon monoxide

• Sources:

  • Incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons 
  • From engines 
• Effects:

  • Carbon monoxide has a higher affinity to haemoglobin than oxygen 
  • This prevents oxygen binding to the haemoglobin 
  • Causes cellular and organism death 
• Control:

  • Catalytic converters - oxidise to carbon dioxide
  • Improved combustion efficiency - maintaining air intake during combustion and regular maintenance of equipment