Driving's Impact: Air Pollution And Our Health

Driving is a major contributor to air pollution, with vehicle emissions being a dominant source of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as the evaporation of fuel, releases harmful by-products that degrade air quality, particularly in congested urban areas. This has significant health impacts on drivers, commuters, and individuals living near major roadways, increasing the risks of morbidity and mortality. While regulatory standards and technological advancements aim to reduce emissions, individual choices, such as driving less, maintaining vehicles, and adopting efficient driving practices, are crucial for mitigating air pollution caused by driving.

Vehicle emissions

The primary pollutants emitted by vehicles include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hydrocarbons (HCs), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions have been linked to a range of health risks, including short-term morbidity, such as emergency doctor visits and hospital admissions, as well as long-term mortality. Recurring traffic congestion can result in repeated and chronic exposure to these pollutants, increasing the potential for adverse health outcomes over time.

To address the issue of vehicle emissions and air pollution, organizations like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented standards and programs to reduce emissions from transportation sources. These include setting stringent emissions standards for passenger vehicles, limiting the amount of sulfur in gasoline, and establishing regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines. The EPA's efforts have led to significant improvements in air quality and public health, with a notable reduction in smog and soot.

In addition to regulatory measures, advancements in technology have played a crucial role in mitigating vehicle emissions. The development of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as improvements in fuel efficiency, have provided consumers with cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation options. Initiatives such as the Green Vehicle Guide assist consumers in making informed choices when purchasing a vehicle by providing information on pollution levels for different models.

Furthermore, programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) offer funding and support for projects aimed at reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines. Through grants and rebates, DERA has facilitated the retrofitting and replacement of diesel engines, contributing to a significant reduction in air pollutant emissions. These collective efforts to reduce vehicle emissions not only improve air quality but also yield substantial public health and economic benefits.

Health risks

Driving and vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution. The burning of fuel in an engine produces by-products of combustion (exhaust) and the evaporation of fuel, which contribute to air pollution. While the air pollution from a single car is generally small, the large number of vehicles on the road means that driving is a major source of air pollution. The pollutants emitted by vehicles include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons (HCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM).

Short-term morbidity

Short-term health risks associated with air pollution from driving include emergency doctor visits and hospital admissions. The risk of these short-term health issues increases with exposure to air pollution. For example, people who spend a lot of time in traffic or near busy roads may be more likely to experience respiratory problems or other health issues requiring medical attention.

Long-term mortality

Long-term exposure to air pollution from driving can also increase the risk of mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Effects Institute (HEI) have linked vehicle emissions to increased morbidity and mortality rates for drivers, commuters, and individuals living near major roadways. The specific health risks associated with long-term exposure to air pollution from driving can vary depending on the type of pollutants and the duration and level of exposure.

Asthma and respiratory issues

Air pollution from driving can also trigger or exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma. This is especially true for individuals who are already susceptible to respiratory problems or have pre-existing respiratory conditions. The pollutants emitted by vehicles can irritate the airways and lungs, leading to inflammation and difficulty breathing.

Cancer and other serious health issues

Certain air pollutants emitted by vehicles, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and diesel particulate matter, are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health issues. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified these pollutants as air toxics, indicating their potential to cause adverse health effects.

Cardiovascular issues

Air pollution from driving has also been linked to cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and heart disease. The pollutants emitted by vehicles can contribute to the development of plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Fuel type

The power to move a car comes from burning fuel in an engine. Pollution from cars comes from the by-products of this combustion process (exhaust) and from the evaporation of the fuel itself.

The type of fuel used in a vehicle is a significant factor in the level of air pollution emitted. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful by-products like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde. Gasoline vapors escape into the atmosphere during refueling and when fuel vaporizes from engines and fuel systems due to vehicle operation or hot weather. Diesel engines are durable and efficient, but because they consume diesel fuel—a complicated mix of petroleum components—they produce some pollutants. A small amount of diesel fuel exits the engine unburned. These airborne hydrocarbons can form larger particles in the atmosphere when they come into contact with airborne dust and other particles.

In addition to emitting harmful tailpipe pollution, gasoline vehicles produce methane and nitrous oxide from the tailpipe and, in small amounts, hydrofluorocarbon from leaking air conditioners. Electric vehicles emit a small amount of greenhouse gases due to air conditioner/HFC leakage. However, they do not emit any harmful tailpipe pollution and have significantly lower global warming emissions than vehicles powered by fossil fuels. A battery-electric bus on today's electricity grid is the lowest-carbon option in any part of the country.

Newer vehicles generally emit less pollution and use less gasoline, while older vehicles generally emit more pollution and use more gasoline. This is due to the increasing stringency of emission standards over time and the deterioration in the performance of emission control technology with age and accumulated mileage.

Traffic congestion

Congestion can also change driving patterns, resulting in an increased number of speedups, slowdowns, stops, and starts, which increase emissions compared to "cruise" conditions, especially with high-power acceleration. For example, research has shown up to 4-, 3-, and 2-fold increases in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide emissions, respectively, with congestion. Congestion diminishes the dispersion of vehicle-related pollutants as vehicle-induced turbulence depends on vehicle speed. Thus, lower vehicle speeds can increase pollutant concentrations from roadway sources.

The health impacts of traffic congestion have been studied in various places, including the United States, Europe, and China. In the United States, the public health cost of mortality attributable to congestion in 83 cities in 2000 was estimated to be $31 billion. European studies have shown that congestion charging zones, where drivers must pay fees to enter certain areas, can lead to gains in years-of-life for the population in those zones. For example, a study estimated that a congestion charging zone in London would gain 183 years-of-life per 100,000 population in the zone and 1,888 years-of-life in the greater London area. Similarly, it was estimated that a similar zone in Stockholm would avoid 20-25 deaths annually in the inner city and 25-30 deaths annually in the metropolitan area. In China, the excess PM2.5 and O3 attributed to traffic congestion induce an additional 20,000 and 5,000 premature deaths, respectively, and the increased rate of premature mortality caused by traffic congestion in major cities may reach 17.5%.

Vehicle maintenance

Regular Tune-ups and Services

Schedule regular tune-ups and services for your vehicle according to the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual. This can increase fuel efficiency, improve your vehicle's lifespan, and reduce air pollutants. During these tune-ups, ensure that you change the oil, maintain the correct level of automotive fluids, and keep your air filter clean.

Fix Leaks and Spills

If you notice any leaks, address them as soon as possible. Clean up any spills, especially motor oil and automotive fluid spills, to prevent them from washing into nearby storm drains and contaminating water bodies. One gallon of used motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of water, so proper cleanup methods are crucial. Use dry clean-up techniques and absorb spills with appropriate materials, such as oil-absorbing mops.

Tire Maintenance

Keep your tires properly inflated according to the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual. Proper tire inflation makes your vehicle more fuel-efficient, reducing fuel consumption and the emission of air pollutants.

Engine Maintenance

Pay attention to your engine's check light. If the check engine light on your dashboard illuminates, it indicates that your vehicle needs repairs or maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and cleanly. Take your vehicle to a qualified automotive technician to address any issues.

Fuel and Emissions Technology

When purchasing a vehicle, consider choosing one with advanced emissions reduction technologies, such as catalysts and electronic fuel injection. These technologies significantly reduce pollution. Additionally, look for vehicles with lower emissions and fuel standards, as they emit fewer air pollutants.

Alternative Transportation Options

Consider carpooling or using public transportation whenever possible. By sharing rides or opting for alternative transportation, you can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, decrease air pollution.

By implementing these vehicle maintenance and utilisation practices, you can play a role in reducing air pollution caused by driving.

Frequently asked questions