Brian Barton
Burning gasoline is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change. The combustion of gasoline releases a variety of toxic air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons. These emissions have been linked to a range of health issues, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. In addition, the production and distribution of gasoline also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of total emissions, with vehicles emitting pollutants such as benzene, metals, and sulfur dioxide. To mitigate the environmental and health impacts of gasoline combustion, governments have implemented regulations and standards, such as the Clean Air Act, to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning product | Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and other toxic pollutants |
| Health effects | Respiratory illness, cardiovascular symptoms, developmental delays, asthma, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, behavioural issues, and other chronic diseases |
| Environmental effects | Greenhouse effect, ocean acidification, changes in snow and ice melt patterns, local changes in freshwater availability |
| Impact on vulnerable groups | Children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of adverse health effects |
| Regulatory efforts | EPA established emissions standards, required cleaner-burning reformulated gasoline, mandated ultra-low sulfur gasoline, and promoted the use of renewable fuels |
| Alternatives | Electric vehicles, renewable fuels produced from plants, crops, and biomass |
What You'll Learn
Gasoline's impact on health and the environment
Gasoline is a highly toxic and flammable liquid that has a range of adverse effects on both human health and the environment. The burning of gasoline releases a variety of harmful substances, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Impact on Human Health
Gasoline contains a range of chemicals, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Exposure to these chemicals, especially through inhalation, can cause serious health issues. The vapors released when gasoline evaporates can lead to nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and breathing difficulties. Swallowing small amounts of gasoline can also cause similar symptoms, including mouth, throat, and stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. Skin contact with gasoline can result in rashes, redness, and swelling.
Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene, a component of gasoline, is particularly harmful and has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia. Additionally, the combustion of gasoline produces toxic air pollutants and particulate matter, such as soot, which can have serious health consequences. According to research, the gasoline sector is responsible for approximately 115,000 premature deaths annually, largely attributed to exposure to smog (ozone) and soot.
Environmental Impact
The burning of gasoline releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, intensifying the re-radiation of heat and increasing the Earth's average air temperatures. In 2022, combustion of aviation and motor gasoline in the United States accounted for about 22% of total energy-related CO2 emissions in the country, amounting to approximately 1,067 million metric tons.
Gasoline leaks are also a significant environmental concern. Leaks occur at gas stations, pipelines, and underground storage tanks, leading to soil and groundwater contamination. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a chemical previously added to gasoline to improve combustion, is toxic and has been banned in several states. While MTBE has been replaced with ethanol, the impact of its previous use on the environment is still being addressed.
Regulatory Efforts
Recognizing the health and environmental risks associated with gasoline, regulatory bodies have implemented measures to mitigate these issues. The Clean Air Act, first passed in 1970, aims to reduce air pollution by requiring engines and fuels to produce fewer emissions. This has led to the development of emissions-control devices, cleaner-burning engines, and the phase-out of leaded gasoline, which was a significant public health concern. Ultra-low sulfur gasoline has also been mandated to further reduce emissions and improve air quality.
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Air pollution and climate change
Gasoline is a highly toxic and flammable liquid that releases harmful substances when burned, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons, all of which contribute to air pollution. Additionally, burning gasoline produces carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere and drives climate change. In 2022, combustion of aviation and motor gasoline in the US emitted about 1,067 million metric tons of CO2, accounting for 22% of the country's total energy-related CO2 emissions.
The Clean Air Act in the United States aims to reduce air pollution by enforcing standards for engines and fuels. To comply with this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented several measures, such as requiring emissions-control devices and cleaner-burning engines, banning leaded gasoline, and mandating the use of ultra-low sulfur gasoline. These actions help reduce air pollution from gasoline use and protect public health.
However, the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels continues to have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. It is recognized as the leading environmental threat to pediatric health and equity, causing respiratory illnesses, cognitive and behavioral impairments, and other chronic diseases in children. Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels contributes to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons.
To address air pollution and climate change, it is crucial to reduce the burning of fossil fuels. This can be achieved by transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving fuel efficiency, adopting cleaner transportation options, and implementing policies that regulate emissions. By tackling these issues together, we can improve air quality, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect the health and well-being of current and future generations.
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Gasoline leaks
Gasoline is a highly flammable and toxic liquid. When burned, gasoline releases harmful vapors and substances that contribute to air pollution, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons. In addition to the environmental impact of burning gasoline, gasoline leaks from pipelines, storage tanks, and gas stations also contribute to pollution. These leaks can occur daily as people fill up their gas tanks, with drips falling onto the ground and vapors escaping from open gas tanks. Leaks in underground pipelines and storage tanks can go unnoticed, but still have detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
The impacts of gasoline leaks can be far-reaching. For example, methane leaks can reduce the normal oxygen concentration in the air, posing a danger to small animals, birds, and humans. Additionally, leaking gas can migrate and cause damage or death to plants and trees. In some cases, leaking gas has been found to affect vegetation up to 100 feet (30 meters) from the source of the leak.
To address the issue of gasoline leaks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented various measures. Since 1990, underground storage tanks have been required to have double lining to provide an additional safeguard against leaks. The EPA has also established standards for reducing pollution from gasoline use, including requiring emissions-control devices and cleaner-burning engines.
The grading system for natural gas leaks takes into account the potential hazard to persons or property. A Grade 1 leak, for instance, represents an existing or probable hazard that requires immediate repair or continuous action. On the other hand, a Grade 3 leak is non-hazardous at the time of detection and is not expected to become hazardous. By implementing these grading standards, agencies can prioritize repairs and mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with gasoline leaks.
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Reducing pollution from gasoline use
The combustion of gasoline releases harmful byproducts into the atmosphere, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide (CO2), the most common human-caused greenhouse gas. These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change, with detrimental effects on the environment and human health, especially in children. To reduce pollution from gasoline use, several measures can be implemented:
Regulatory Actions and Policies:
- The Clean Air Act, enacted in 1970 in the United States, aims to reduce air pollution by mandating engines and fuels that produce fewer emissions. This includes requiring emissions-control devices, such as catalytic converters, and setting emissions standards for vehicles and non-road equipment.
- Banning or reducing the use of toxic chemicals added to gasoline, such as lead and Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), and replacing them with less harmful alternatives like ethanol.
- Implementing stricter environmental regulations and standards for gasoline refiners to reduce sulfur content in gasoline, as it helps lower emissions from vehicles and improves the effectiveness of advanced vehicle emission-control devices.
Technological Advancements:
- Encouraging the use of electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient vehicles: These vehicles produce fewer emissions and are more environmentally friendly. The development and promotion of these technologies can significantly reduce pollution from gasoline use.
- Advanced emissions reduction technologies: Commercial-grade landscaping machinery and equipment are now available with advanced emissions reduction features, including catalysts and electronic fuel injection, resulting in significantly less pollution.
Individual Actions:
- Driving efficiently: Individuals can contribute by driving efficiently, including maintaining a steady speed, accelerating gradually, and reducing abrupt stops and starts. This reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions.
- Maintaining vehicles: Regular tune-ups, following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and using the recommended motor oil can help ensure that vehicles are running efficiently and producing fewer emissions.
- Choosing fuel-efficient vehicles: When purchasing a new car, individuals can opt for fuel-efficient models with low greenhouse gas emissions. This not only reduces pollution but also saves money on fuel costs.
- Reducing vehicle usage: Opting for walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible can significantly decrease pollution from gasoline use.
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Health risks of exposure to gasoline
Gasoline is a toxic and highly flammable liquid that is primarily used to fuel vehicles and other machines that use an engine. The vapours given off when gasoline evaporates, and the substances produced when it is burned (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons) contribute to air pollution.
The health risks of exposure to gasoline are varied and depend on the level and length of exposure. Limited contact with gasoline is usually harmless, but extended exposure can seriously damage a person's health. Ingesting even a small quantity of gasoline can be fatal. In adults, 20–50 grams (g) of gasoline, which is fewer than 2 ounces (oz), can cause severe intoxication, and around 350 g (12 oz) can be fatal. In children, ingesting 10–15 g (up to half an ounce) of gasoline can be lethal. If someone suspects gasoline exposure or poisoning, they should immediately call Poison Control, and if symptoms are severe, they should also call emergency services. There is no antidote for gasoline exposure or poisoning, but doctors can provide medications and supportive therapy to ensure that a person's heart and lungs continue to function correctly and that they are hydrated.
Chronic or severe exposure to fuel products made from gasoline, such as diesel and benzene, can also cause severe health complications, including certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that workers exposed to hydrocarbons had an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma, with the highest risk among male workers exposed to moderate levels of hydrocarbons. Results from several epidemiological studies have also examined the possible association between gasoline exposure and increased leukemia and kidney cancer risks.
In addition to the direct health risks of exposure to gasoline, the burning of gasoline also contributes to air pollution and climate change, which have indirect health impacts, particularly on children. Fossil fuel combustion by-products are a significant threat to children's health and can cause respiratory illness, cognitive and behavioural developmental impairments, and other chronic diseases. Synergies between air pollution and climate change can magnify the harm to children, and children from poorer communities are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and climate change.
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Frequently asked questions
Gasoline is a complex mixture of natural hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals derived from crude petroleum.
The products of burning gasoline include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
Burning a gallon of gasoline produces about 19 pounds of carbon dioxide. In 2022, combustion of aviation and motor gasoline in the US emitted about 1,067 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for 22% of the country's total energy-related CO2 emissions.
Exposure to vehicle emissions from burning gasoline increases the risk of health issues such as asthma, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and developmental delays. These risks are particularly pronounced among vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
Governments and organizations are implementing various measures to reduce pollution from burning gasoline. For instance, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated emissions-control devices, cleaner-burning engines, and ultra-low sulfur gasoline to minimize emissions from vehicles and equipment. Additionally, the Clean Air Act and its amendments aim to reduce air pollution by requiring cleaner-burning reformulated gasoline in metropolitan areas with significant ground-level ozone pollution.
