Cars: Pollutant Or Not?

Cars are a major contributor to air pollution and the health consequences it causes worldwide. Every time a car is driven, pollutants are emitted directly into the air, causing significant risks to human health, especially for people who live near busy roads, and to the environment. The burning of gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde. In addition, vehicles emit carbon dioxide, the most common human-caused greenhouse gas. While modern vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient, the growing popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, combined with increasing vehicle miles traveled, continues to contribute significantly to air pollution.

Cars are a major contributor to air pollution

Cars are a significant contributor to air pollution, which refers to the presence of foreign substances in the air that do not belong there or excessive amounts of certain impurities. Vehicle emissions are the largest source of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to human health and the environment. Every gallon of gasoline burned releases about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas. When we burn gasoline and other fossil fuels, we release far more carbon dioxide than the planet can handle, and this excess forms a heat-trapping layer around the Earth, contributing to global warming.

Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are major contributors to air pollution. In the United States, transportation emits more than half of nitrogen oxides and is a major source of heat-trapping emissions. Pollutants from vehicle exhausts have been linked to adverse impacts on nearly every organ system in the body, including the lungs, heart, and eyes. Exposure to pollution is also inequitable, with marginalized communities, including Latinos, Blacks, and lower-income households, bearing the brunt of the harm.

Tailpipe emissions from cars and other vehicles account for a significant portion of global warming pollution. The production and burning of fossil fuels used in transportation also contribute to environmental issues such as acid rain, deteriorated water quality, and soil acidification. Additionally, the extraction of petroleum and other fuels can damage local ecosystems and lead to occasional environmental disasters, such as oil spills.

While each vehicle's emissions may be small, the large number of cars on the road and the increasing number of miles driven contribute to the overall air pollution problem. The growing popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks also offsets some of the progress made in fuel efficiency. However, there are ways to reduce pollution from motor vehicles, such as driving more fuel-efficient vehicles, maintaining vehicles to ensure they run efficiently, and simply driving less by opting for walking, biking, or public transportation when possible.

Vehicle emissions and their health consequences

Cars are a major contributor to air pollution and the health consequences it causes worldwide. Every time a car is driven, pollution is emitted directly into the air, causing significant health risks, especially for people who live near busy roads. Air pollution refers to the presence of foreign substances in the air that do not belong there or excessive amounts of certain impurities that would not harm us otherwise.

The burning of gasoline by cars emits pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. These emissions increase the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. The production of electricity by coal-fired power plants and other sources can cause more pollution than most cars, but in urban areas, cars, buses, trucks, and off-highway mobile sources produce at least half of the hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

The health effects of vehicle emissions include neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and immune system damage. Exposures to air toxics can also cause non-cancerous health effects, although they are believed to contribute to cancer and problems such as asthma, heart disease, birth defects, and eye irritation. Nitrogen dioxide exposure, for example, can worsen asthma and cause serious health problems, including premature death, heart issues, impaired lung development, and breathing difficulties. Diesel particulate matter is of particular concern, as long-term exposure is likely to cause lung cancer.

The impact of vehicle emissions on health is influenced by proximity to major roadways with high traffic volume. People living or working near sources of air pollution are exposed to higher concentrations of contaminants, contributing to adverse health effects. The building of roads to support vehicles and the resulting urban sprawl can also impact emissions and wildlife, although these factors can be difficult to tease out from other variables such as population growth and resource consumption.

While modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient, the growing popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks offsets much of this progress. Electric vehicles (EVs) are cleaner and do not burn fossil fuels, but their adoption is slow compared to the surge in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and gasoline consumption. Overall, transportation agencies and local jurisdictions need to develop cleaner travel options and expand public transportation to reduce traffic-related air pollution and improve air quality.

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases

Carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas, and it is emitted when gasoline and other fossil fuels are burned. While carbon dioxide is vital for life on Earth, human activity has caused an overwhelming spike in its levels. Every gallon of gasoline burned sends about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This extra carbon dioxide forms a heat-trapping layer around the planet, acting like a heavy, insulating blanket that prevents heat from escaping into space.

Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. In the United States, vehicles emit at least half of the hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the air. Transportation is responsible for around 30% of all heat-trapping gas emissions in the country. In urban areas, cars, buses, trucks, and off-highway mobile sources produce at least half of the hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

The percentage of air pollution caused by cars is higher in urban areas and near major highways. Marginalized communities, often located near heavily traveled roadways, are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Studies have shown that Asian Americans, Black people, and Latinos experience higher concentrations of harmful particulate matter air pollution than the average person in the US.

While modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient, the growing popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks offsets much of this progress. Additionally, Americans are driving more miles than ever, resulting in a surge in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and gasoline consumption. However, electric vehicles (EVs) offer a cleaner alternative, producing hundreds of times less waste than fossil fuel vehicles.

The impact of vehicle emissions on marginalised communities

Cars are a major contributor to air pollution and the health consequences it causes worldwide. Every time a car is driven, pollution is emitted directly into the air, causing significant health risks, especially for people who live near busy roads. The burning of gasoline in cars emits pollutants, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, which are believed to cause cancer and contribute to asthma, heart disease, birth defects, and eye irritation.

Marginalized communities, particularly those from lower-economic countries, people of color, and younger generations, are disproportionately affected by the impacts of vehicle emissions and climate change. Environmental racism refers to the injustices faced by marginalized groups in terms of unequal exposure to pollution and discrimination in environmental policy-making. People of color often bear the brunt of environmental impacts, as seen in the United States, where they experience a multitude of environmental injustices, including higher levels of air pollution.

Research from the United Kingdom supports this, indicating that households in poverty and the poorest areas have higher levels of exposure to traffic-related air pollution. Despite policies aimed at improving air quality, environmental injustice has worsened, with vehicle emissions contributing significantly.

The production and use of personal automobiles, including gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, play a significant role in air pollution. While modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient, the growing popularity of less efficient vehicles and increased driving distances offset the progress made. The United States, known for its large automobile population, faces challenges with traffic congestion in urban areas, further exacerbating air pollution levels.

To address these disparities, US President Biden has made environmental justice a priority, focusing on investing in low-income and minority communities disproportionately impacted by pollution. This includes establishing councils and offices dedicated to environmental and climate equity, with a commitment to allocate 40% of sustainability investments to disadvantaged communities.

Cleaner transportation solutions

Cars are a major contributor to air pollution and the health consequences it causes worldwide. Every time a car is driven, pollutants are emitted directly into the air, causing significant risks to human health, especially for people who live near busy roads. These pollutants are also harmful to the environment.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a cleaner-burning, lower-emitting fuel that can be produced from waste products such as used cooking oil. SAF must reduce life-cycle emissions by 50% to qualify for federal tax credits. While electric airplanes are also an option, particularly for shorter routes, transitioning aviation away from fossil fuels will require significant research and investment.

Zero-Emission Vehicles

Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles is an important step towards reducing pollution. This includes electric vehicles (EVs), which produce hundreds of times less waste than fossil fuel vehicles. In 2023, EVs achieved up to 140 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe), a measure of EV fuel economy. Additionally, electric vehicle batteries can last over 400,000 miles, making them a more sustainable option.

Public Policy and Financial Incentives

Public policy and financial incentives are crucial in encouraging the adoption of cleaner transportation options. For example, Oregon and Washington have implemented Clean Fuel Standards, requiring a decrease in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. These states have also adopted the Advanced Clean Truck Rule and Advanced Clean Cars II, mandating that an increasing percentage of new vehicle sales be zero-emission.

Active Travel

Promoting active travel options, such as walking and biking, can reduce car usage and associated emissions. This requires investing in safe walking and biking infrastructure, as well as supporting inclusive transportation programs that cater to community needs.

Clean Fuels and Advanced Technologies

Consulting firms like TRC offer strategic planning and engineering solutions for advanced transportation technologies and clean fuels. Their expertise includes power system engineering, regulatory standards, and construction management to drive cleaner and more efficient fleet transportation.

Frequently asked questions