Which of the following statements about carbon monoxide (CO) is incorrect?

The statement that carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of respiration is incorrect because carbon monoxide is not produced during the normal cellular respiration process; instead, it is typically generated through incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as fossil fuels. While biological processes like respiration involve the consumption of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) as a waste product, carbon monoxide is not a byproduct of respiration in humans or other aerobic organisms.

In contrast, the other statements about carbon monoxide are accurate. It is indeed a significant air pollutant released from vehicle emissions due to incomplete combustion in engines. CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen, reducing the blood's capacity to carry vital oxygen and posing serious health risks. Additionally, while carbon monoxide does not directly contribute to ozone formation at ground level, it can participate in atmospheric reactions that lead to the creation of secondary pollutants under certain conditions, hence indicating its indirect role in air quality issues.