Correct option is B
The major pollutant from automobile exhaust is Carbon Monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that is highly toxic.
Information Booster:
- CO is produced due to incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles.
- It reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by binding with hemoglobin.
- High levels of CO exposure can lead to poisoning and even death.
- Other pollutants include hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter.
- Modern vehicles use catalytic converters to reduce emissions.
- Strict vehicular emission standards, like BS-VI norms in India, are in place to control pollution.
Additional Knowledge:
- NO: Nitrogen oxides contribute to smog and acid rain but are less toxic than CO.
- SO₂: Mostly emitted by industries, not vehicles.
- CO₂: A greenhouse gas contributing to climate change but not directly toxic.
Key Points:
- Vehicular pollution is a significant source of urban air pollution.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles are seen as a solution to reduce CO emissions.