Car Gas Usage: Pollution Culprit Or Green Energy?

Burning gasoline and diesel fuel releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. The average passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. In addition to carbon dioxide, automobiles using gasoline produce methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons from the tailpipe. Vehicle emissions are a major source of benzene, a carcinogen linked to leukaemia, blood disorders, and infertility. They increase the risk of asthma, heart and lung disease, dementia, and cancer, especially in children and those who live near busy roads or commute long distances.

Gasoline combustion and air pollution

Gasoline combustion is a significant contributor to air pollution. The combustion of gasoline releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor to US GHG emissions. In 2022, total US CO2 emissions from aviation and motor gasoline combustion were about 22% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions.

Gasoline combustion also produces other harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons. These pollutants have been linked to adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, cognitive and behavioural problems, and an increased risk of cancer. Exposure to these pollutants disproportionately impacts marginalised communities, including Latinos, Blacks, and lower-income households.

The impact of gasoline combustion on air pollution is not limited to the tailpipe emissions from vehicles. The production, refining, and distribution of gasoline also contribute to air pollution. Additionally, the combustion of gasoline in two-stroke engines, commonly found in low-power engines such as lawn equipment and jet skis, emits disproportionately high levels of pollutants.

To mitigate the environmental and health impacts of gasoline combustion, various measures have been implemented. For example, the US Clean Air Act seeks to reduce air pollution by requiring engines and fuels to produce fewer emissions. This has led to the phase-out of leaded gasoline and the introduction of ultra-low sulfur gasoline, among other initiatives.

Overall, gasoline combustion has a significant impact on air pollution, contributing to both outdoor and indoor air quality issues and posing risks to public health and the environment.

Carbon dioxide and climate change

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a heat-trapping gas, also known as a greenhouse gas. It is released into the atmosphere by the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have raised the atmosphere's carbon dioxide content by 50% in less than 200 years. This has led to a 150% increase in CO2 levels since 1750, with the current level being over 420 parts per million.

The buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing the Earth's atmosphere to warm, resulting in climate change. This warming is causing the volume of the ocean to increase as water expands when heated, leading to rising sea levels. The ocean also becomes more acidic as it absorbs carbon dioxide, which endangers marine life and coral reefs.

Transportation is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, with road vehicles being the largest source. Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide and other toxins into the atmosphere, leading to an increase in temperature. In addition to carbon dioxide, these vehicles also emit methane and nitrous oxide, which contribute to global warming.

The effects of climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions include more frequent and intense heat waves, sea level rise, flooding, droughts, and wildfires. These impacts pose risks to human health and the well-being of communities, especially those in low-income and marginalized areas.

Vehicle emissions and health risks

Vehicle emissions are a leading source of air pollutants that negatively impact human health. Burning fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, which can trigger health issues such as aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and bronchitis.

Motor vehicles, particularly those used for freight, are a major source of fine particulate matter, which has been linked to significant health problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and heart attacks. Long-term exposure to diesel particulate matter is of particular concern as it is likely to cause lung cancer. Vehicle emissions also include nitrogen oxides (NOx), which form ground-level ozone and particulate matter. NOx can cause lung irritation and weaken the body's defenses against respiratory infections.

In addition to the health risks posed by outdoor air pollution, there are also risks associated with indoor air quality in vehicles. Pollutants from vehicle exhaust can enter a vehicle from outside, and there can also be pollutants off-gassing from materials inside the vehicle. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) such as phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are sometimes emitted from interior vehicle materials. Exposure to high levels of these pollutants can have adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as an increased risk of cancer.

Children are especially vulnerable to the health risks associated with vehicle emissions. In California, about one in eight children take a school bus to and from school. While this only accounts for less than 10% of a child's day, it contributes to 33% of their daily exposure to some air pollutants. Studies have shown that children standing near or riding inside buses can be exposed to high levels of air pollutants.

Addressing vehicle emissions is crucial for improving air quality and reducing health risks. By transitioning to cleaner vehicle and fuel technologies, such as electric vehicles, we can significantly reduce emissions and mitigate the negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Electric vehicles and emission reduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) are instrumental in reducing carbon pollution. They are proven to lower carbon emissions, even when the electricity used to power them comes from heavily polluting sources. In comparison to gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars emit less carbon dioxide pollution, regardless of the form of energy used to recharge them.

Tailpipe Emissions

EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, while conventional vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) produce direct emissions through the tailpipe. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produce zero direct emissions when running on electricity alone, but they can produce evaporative emissions and tailpipe emissions when using the ICE.

Well-to-Wheel Emissions

Well-to-wheel emissions include all emissions related to fuel production, processing, distribution, and use. Gasoline-powered vehicles emit carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons during the extraction, refining, distribution, and burning of petroleum. In contrast, electric vehicles do not produce any well-to-wheel emissions, although the electricity production process, such as power plants, may generate emissions.

Cradle-to-Grave Emissions

Cradle-to-grave emissions include all well-to-wheel emissions as well as vehicle-cycle emissions associated with vehicle and battery manufacturing, recycling, and disposal. While EVs generally have lower cradle-to-grave emissions than conventional vehicles, the extent of the advantage depends on the energy sources used for electricity generation in a particular geographic area.

Impact of Vehicle Size

Vehicle size also impacts lifecycle emissions. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, tend to have higher emissions than medium-sized cars. However, electric SUVs emit around 20% more emissions over their lifetime compared to medium-sized electric cars, mitigating the negative impact of larger vehicles.

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

The adoption of electric vehicles offers substantial emission reduction benefits. A battery electric car sold in 2023 will emit half as much as a conventional car over its lifetime. Additionally, the continued decarbonisation of the power grid will further enhance the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

Policy interventions for cleaner air

Setting standards and regulations

One key policy intervention to reduce air pollution from car gas usage is the implementation of stringent standards and regulations for vehicle emissions. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a pivotal role in this regard, working alongside the State of California to adopt increasingly rigorous standards. The Clean Air Act, passed in 1970, granted the EPA the authority to regulate pollution from cars and other transportation sources. Since then, the EPA has set emissions standards for various vehicles, including passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, buses, and aircraft. These standards have led to significant improvements, with new passenger vehicles being 98-99% cleaner for most tailpipe pollutants compared to the 1960s. Similar initiatives can be undertaken by governments and regulatory bodies worldwide to curb air pollution from car gas usage.

Encouraging the use of fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles

Governments can incentivize the adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline cars. Providing subsidies, tax breaks, or other financial incentives for purchasing these vehicles can make them more accessible and affordable for consumers. Additionally, governments can invest in and promote public transportation options, such as electric buses and trains, to reduce the reliance on private vehicles, thereby decreasing overall emissions.

Promoting active transportation and carpooling

Encouraging active transportation options, such as walking and biking for shorter distances, can significantly reduce vehicle emissions. Creating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes and pathways, can make these modes of transportation more attractive and convenient for people. Additionally, promoting carpooling programs and ride-sharing services can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby lowering emissions.

Raising awareness and providing education

Educating the public about the impact of car gas usage on air pollution and offering practical tips to reduce emissions can empower individuals to make informed choices. This can include information about fuel-efficient vehicles, proper vehicle maintenance, and ways to optimize home deliveries and online shopping to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Raising awareness about the health and environmental consequences of air pollution can also help drive behavioral changes and encourage people to take voluntary actions to reduce their carbon footprint.

Investing in research and development

Governments can allocate resources toward research and development of cleaner transportation technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Supporting innovation in this sector can lead to more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation options. Additionally, investing in renewable fuel sources, such as biofuels, can help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

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