Which of the following gases is responsible for deaths in the coal mines?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is option 2: carbon monoxide
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
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It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials, which is common in coal mines.
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Inhalation of CO prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin in the blood, leading to asphyxiation and death — often without warning.
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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.