What is a potential hazard of carbon monoxide exposure?

Respiratory distress is a significant potential hazard of carbon monoxide exposure because when carbon monoxide is inhaled, it competes with oxygen for binding sites on hemoglobin in the blood. This reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues. As a result, individuals may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate, and overall respiratory distress.

The other options, while they may relate to other types of health issues or environmental exposures, are not direct consequences of carbon monoxide exposure. For instance, kidney failure generally results from a long-term condition or acute injury rather than from carbon monoxide. Skin rashes are typically associated with allergic reactions or irritants and do not stem from carbon monoxide exposure. Neurological damage can occur with severe or prolonged exposure but is generally a secondary concern compared to the immediate impact of respiratory distress.