# Sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide are both pollutants produced when fossil fuels are burned. Describe how each gas is produced and explain one harmful effect of each gas on either human health or the environment.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 8.1 Fuels · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sulfur dioxide is produced when fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities are burned (combusted)
2. Sulfur dioxide causes acid rain (by reacting with water vapour in clouds) which damages ecosystems / harms living organisms / corrodes buildings
3. Carbon monoxide is produced during incomplete combustion (when there is insufficient oxygen)
4. Carbon monoxide is toxic to humans because it prevents the blood from carrying oxygen (leading to death / unconsciousness)

## Key terms

- [sulfur dioxide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sulfur-dioxide)
- [carbon monoxide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbon-monoxide)
- [pollutants](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pollutants)
- [fossil fuels](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fossil-fuels)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/sulfur-dioxide-and-carbon-monoxide-are-416f9fbb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.