The statement Carbon monoxide is a common atmospheric pollutant should be considered:

Introduction / Context:
This environmental science question asks you to judge a simple statement about air pollution. Carbon monoxide is a well known gas related to vehicle emissions, faulty stoves, and incomplete combustion. Recognising whether it counts as a common atmospheric pollutant is basic knowledge for questions on air quality and public health.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The statement claims that carbon monoxide is a common atmospheric pollutant.
• Options ask you to decide whether this is correct or incorrect and give reasons.
• Basic understanding of combustion and urban air pollution is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas formed primarily when carbon containing fuels burn without enough oxygen. Common sources include motor vehicle exhausts, industrial processes, and poorly ventilated stoves or heaters. In busy urban areas, carbon monoxide levels often rise near roads and traffic junctions because of exhaust fumes. It is classified as an air pollutant because it can harm human health by reducing the oxygen carrying capacity of blood when inhaled. Air quality standards typically include limits for carbon monoxide alongside other pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Therefore, calling carbon monoxide a common atmospheric pollutant is scientifically accurate, especially with respect to areas that burn fossil fuels.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Air pollution chapters in environmental science books list carbon monoxide among key urban air pollutants. They often discuss its sources, such as motor vehicles and faulty heating systems, as well as symptoms of exposure like headaches and dizziness. Air quality index summaries from many countries also show a CO component. This consistent treatment across sources confirms that carbon monoxide is indeed a common air pollutant, particularly in areas with high fuel combustion, and so the statement in the question should be judged as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Incorrect, because carbon monoxide is a rare gas is wrong because carbon monoxide is frequently detected in polluted air and is one of the major gases measured in urban environments.

Incorrect, because only carbon dioxide is a pollutant is incorrect since both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can act as pollutants in different ways; carbon monoxide in particular is directly toxic even at low concentrations.

Correct, but only inside houses and not in outdoor air is misleading because, although indoor carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue, outdoor environments near traffic and industries also show significant levels of CO.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse carbon monoxide with carbon dioxide because of the similar names and chemical symbols. They may remember discussions of carbon dioxide and climate change and wrongly assume that only carbon dioxide matters in air quality. Others think of carbon monoxide as only an indoor hazard from faulty appliances, forgetting its role in urban smog and outdoor pollution. To avoid these mistakes, remember that carbon monoxide is a common atmospheric pollutant both indoors and outdoors wherever incomplete combustion occurs.

Final Answer:
The statement is Correct, because carbon monoxide is widely produced by incomplete combustion and commonly pollutes city air.