Alabama Boating License Practice Test

Why is Carbon monoxide dangerous?

1. It is highly flammable

2. It causes dizziness after prolonged exposure

3. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal

4. It attracts marine pests

The correct answer is: It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. This makes it particularly dangerous because it cannot be detected by the human senses. People may not realize they are being exposed until it is too late. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be fatal if inhaled in high enough concentrations. It binds to the hemoglobin in our blood, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be transported to our cells. This can lead to suffocation, brain damage, and death. While options A, B, and D may also be considered harmful, they do not directly explain why carbon monoxide is dangerous. It is not a matter of being flammable, causing dizziness, or attracting marine pests. The real danger lies in its ability to disrupt the oxygen supply in our bodies, making it a silent and deadly threat.