Question:
A factory was started near a village. Suddenly villagers started feeling the presence of irritating vapours in the village and cases of headache, chest pain, cough, dryness of throat and breathing problems increased. Villagers blamed the emissions from the chimney of the factory for such problems. Explain what could have happened. Give chemical reactions for the support of your explanation.
Solution:
The harmful oxides of nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere can cause this type of breathing problems. The source of these oxides is from industries through oxidation of fossil fuels like coal.
N2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2 NO (g)
2NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2 NO2