Which of the following gases is responsible for deaths in the coal mines?

carbon monoxide

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

• It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials, which is common in coal mines.

• Inhalation of CO prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin in the blood, leading to asphyxiation and death — often without warning.

• This is a major cause of fatalities in coal mine accidents, especially during explosions or fires.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂): While it can displace oxygen and cause suffocation in confined spaces, it is not as toxic as CO.