Which gases are cited as examples of poisonous gases that irritate the respiratory system?

Which gases are cited as examples of poisonous gases that irritate the respiratory system?

• A. Chlorine and Anhydrous Ammonia
• B. Oxygen and Nitrogen
• C. Carbon Dioxide and Methane
• D. Helium and Neon

Answer: (A)

Gases that irritate the respiratory system are those that, when inhaled, sting or inflame the airways and mucous membranes, causing coughing, choking, and breathing difficulty. Chlorine and anhydrous ammonia are classic examples of this kind of irritant gas. Chlorine reacts with moisture in the eyes, nose, and lungs to form acids that burn and inflame tissues, leading to coughing and airway irritation. Anhydrous ammonia is highly irritating and caustic; it rapidly damages tissues in the nose, throat, and lungs, provoking strong coughing and breathing trouble even at relatively low concentrations. The other options don’t fit because oxygen and nitrogen aren’t poisonous irritants in normal conditions—oxygen is essential, and nitrogen is largely inert. Carbon dioxide and methane aren’t irritants (CO2 can cause asphyxiation at high concentrations, but it doesn’t irritate the respiratory tract in typical exposure; methane is inert). Helium and neon are inert noble gases and don’t irritate the respiratory tract. Therefore, the combination of chlorine and anhydrous ammonia best represents gases that irritate the respiratory system.

Gases that irritate the respiratory system are those that, when inhaled, sting or inflame the airways and mucous membranes, causing coughing, choking, and breathing difficulty. Chlorine and anhydrous ammonia are classic examples of this kind of irritant gas. Chlorine reacts with moisture in the eyes, nose, and lungs to form acids that burn and inflame tissues, leading to coughing and airway irritation. Anhydrous ammonia is highly irritating and caustic; it rapidly damages tissues in the nose, throat, and lungs, provoking strong coughing and breathing trouble even at relatively low concentrations. The other options don’t fit because oxygen and nitrogen aren’t poisonous irritants in normal conditions—oxygen is essential, and nitrogen is largely inert. Carbon dioxide and methane aren’t irritants (CO2 can cause asphyxiation at high concentrations, but it doesn’t irritate the respiratory tract in typical exposure; methane is inert). Helium and neon are inert noble gases and don’t irritate the respiratory tract. Therefore, the combination of chlorine and anhydrous ammonia best represents gases that irritate the respiratory system.