Question

A pollutant that causes irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat is
(a)CO
(b)${ SO }_{ 2 }$
(c)CFC
(d)${ CH }_{ 4 }$

Answer 1

Hint: There are several gases in our atmosphere that when exposed to a higher concentration than usual can cause several damages to human and animal lives. Some can cause respiratory diseases in humans as well.

Complete answer:
Sulfur dioxide (${ SO }_{ 2 }$) is a pollutant that causes irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat and found in the Earth's atmosphere at about 1ppm. Natural causes of release of this gas are volcanic eruptions whereas man-made causes are mainly industrial productions. It is one of the major and noticeable air pollutants which causes several impacts on humans as well as animal health. Along with nitrogen dioxide, it causes acid rain which has become a severe issue recently.

Additional Information: Let us know more about the other pollutants mentioned in the question:
CO- Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. When an organism encounters CO above the concentration of 35ppm, it combines with its hemoglobin and produces carboxyhemoglobin, and prohibits the transportation of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning in humans has symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, etc.
CFC is the short form of chlorofluorocarbons which are fully or partially hydrogenated paraffin and are a part of the greenhouse gases. These are ozone-depleting chemicals and are responsible for global warming. When exposed to a concentration above 11% it may cause dizziness, loss of concentration, depression of CNS, and cardiac arrhythmia.
${ CH }_{ 4 }$ or methane is a chemical compound made of one carbon and four hydrogen atoms. This is an economically attractive fuel and a chemical feedstock. It is generally non-toxic but is extremely flammable and its explosion is responsible for many deadly mining disasters.
Therefore, the correct answer is “${ SO }_{ 2 }$”.

Note: Air pollution is the release of certain pollutants in the atmosphere that are harmful to the environment and human health. ${ SO }_{ 2 }$, CO, and CFC are such pollutants. ${ SO }_{ 2 }$ with ${ NO }_{ 2 }$ reacts with water molecules in the atmosphere and produces acids which later on come down with the rain. This phenomenon is known as acid rain and it is very harmful to the planet as it pollutes water sources and soil.