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GCSE Combined Science · key term
A poisonous gas that combines with haemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. It is colourless and odourless.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 5.9.3.2 · Paper 4
Revise: Effects of Atmospheric PollutantsCarbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Cells then receive less oxygen for aerobic respiration.
Specification Fuels · Paper 3, Paper 4
A colourless, odourless toxic gas, CO, which binds strongly to haemoglobin and reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Revise: Fuel combustion, pollution and hydrogen alternativesThe carbon in the fuel is not all converted into carbon dioxide. Instead, some can form carbon monoxide, CO, or solid carbon particles called soot. Water still forms from the hydrogen.
Link each named pollutant to its specific effect: carbon monoxide causes poisoning; sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems and acid rain; particulates cause health problems and global dimming.
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is toxic. Being colourless and odourless makes the danger harder to detect; these properties do not themselves cause poisoning.
For carbon monoxide toxicity, link binding to haemoglobin to reduced oxygen transport to body tissues.
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