Kiera Jefferson
Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollutants, particularly in urban areas and near highways. The burning of fuel in an engine releases harmful gases and particles, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions contribute to climate change, air pollution, and adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and cancer. While improvements in fuel and vehicle technology have helped reduce emissions, the increasing number of vehicles on the road continues to pose a challenge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Major Auto Pollutants | Particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), fluorinated refrigerants, methane, nitrous oxide, benzene, acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and more |
| Sources | Cars, trucks, buses, off-highway vehicles (construction vehicles, boats), combustion processes, fossil fuels, gasoline |
| Effects | Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, birth defects, eye irritation, asthma, heart disease, global warming, climate change, acid rain, water quality deterioration, ground-level ozone, air toxics, smog |
| Impacted Groups | Asian Americans, Black people, Latino/Hispanic people, lower-income households, children |
| Reduction Strategies | Carpooling, walking, public transportation, reduced automobile use, improved fuel efficiency, alternative fuels (electric, hybrid), cleaner exhausts, higher air pollution standards |
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What You'll Learn
Particulate matter (PM)
PM is emitted from cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to PM pollution. These vehicles produce air pollution throughout their life cycle, including pollution emitted during vehicle operation and fuel production.
PM can be a primary pollutant or a secondary pollutant from hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides. It contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream.
PM2.5 exposure has been linked to adverse health effects, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems. In California, PM2.5 exposure contributes to approximately 5,400 premature deaths due to cardiopulmonary causes per year. It has also been associated with 2,800 hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and about 6,700 emergency room visits for asthma annually.
Fine particulate matter has also been shown to reduce visibility and adversely affect climate, ecosystems, and materials. It affects visibility by altering the way light is absorbed and scattered in the atmosphere. Some constituents of PM promote climate warming (e.g., black carbon), while others have a cooling influence (e.g., nitrate and sulfate).
To protect yourself when PM reaches harmful levels, you can refer to air quality alerts such as the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI tells you how clean or polluted the outdoor air is and provides guidance on any necessary health precautions.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are emitted from cars, trucks, and buses, and are considered toxic air pollutants. They are produced by the combustion of gasoline and the evaporation of fuel. VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ground-level ozone irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity. It is also linked to various adverse health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure to VOCs can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs, such as benzene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene, are known carcinogens.
The concentration of VOCs is significantly higher indoors, up to ten times higher than outdoor levels. However, VOCs are also a concern outdoors, as they contribute to ozone pollution, the most widespread outdoor air pollutant in some nations.
To mitigate the impact of VOCs, it is recommended to use products with low VOC content, improve ventilation in indoor spaces, and properly store and dispose of products containing VOCs.
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Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxides are formed when nitrogen from the air is transformed by the combustion of fossil fuels. They are reddish-brown gases that irritate the lungs and eyes. Nitrogen oxides are also a primary pollutant, causing lung irritation and weakening the body's defences against respiratory infections.
According to the EPA, in urban areas, cars, buses, trucks, and off-highway mobile sources produce at least half of the hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Despite this, the personal automobile is the single greatest polluter, with millions of vehicles on the road each day contributing significantly to air pollution. The percentage of air pollution caused by cars is higher in urban areas and near major highways.
The health consequences of air pollution from vehicles are significant, with pollutants from vehicle exhaust linked to adverse impacts on nearly every organ system in the body. Exposure to pollution is inequitable, disproportionately affecting Latinos, Blacks, and lower-income households. Vehicle emissions increase levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
To reduce air pollution from vehicles, governments and organisations have implemented various measures. The U.S. government has imposed tougher emissions standards, and consumers are increasingly demanding better efficiency. The federal Clean Air Act of 1990 requires the DEC to provide technical, regulatory, and policy support for vehicle emission control programs. New York State has also adopted California's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards, with an initiative to put 3.3 million ZEVs on the road by 2025.
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Greenhouse gases
Other greenhouse gases emitted by automobiles include methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons. While methane and nitrous oxide are produced by gasoline-powered vehicles, all vehicles can emit hydrofluorocarbons from leaking air conditioners. Electric vehicles emit small amounts of greenhouse gases due to air conditioner leakage, but they do not produce tailpipe emissions.
The EPA and automobile manufacturers measure vehicle fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions using standardized laboratory tests. These tests are designed to mimic typical driving patterns, and the results are used to determine real-world fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions. The EPA and the Department of Transportation use these values to ensure that manufacturers meet federal greenhouse gas and corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards.
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and is the largest source of heat-trapping emissions in the United States. Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are significant contributors to these emissions. Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation include the use of low-carbon fuels, new and improved vehicle technologies, reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled, and operating vehicles more efficiently.
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Carbon monoxide
The dangers of carbon monoxide lie in its ability to deprive individuals of oxygen, causing a lack of reasoning and impairing brain function. This can make exposed individuals less likely to recognise the danger of their situation. Hundreds of people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a running vehicle, with many of these incidents occurring in closed garages. The catalytic converter in automobiles is meant to mitigate carbon monoxide emissions, but it is ineffective when there is insufficient oxygen in the area, such as in closed spaces.
While changes in engine design, fuel, and emission control devices have led to a reduction in carbon monoxide emissions, there are still risks associated with faulty or poorly maintained exhaust systems. Keyless ignition vehicles, for example, have introduced new risks, as owners may inadvertently leave the engine running, leading to carbon monoxide build-up.
To ensure safety, it is recommended to avoid leaving a vehicle running in a garage, even if the garage door is open. If there are concerns about carbon monoxide stemming from an automobile, it is advised to contact a mechanic or service technician immediately and have the vehicle towed to a service garage to avoid exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
Auto pollutants are substances emitted by automobiles that negatively impact the environment and human health.
The main auto pollutants include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
Cars produce auto pollutants through the combustion of fuel and evaporation of gasoline.
Auto pollutants have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increased risk of cancer, asthma, heart disease, birth defects, and eye irritation. Fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose a serious threat to human health.
To reduce auto pollutants, people can drive less, carpool, walk, bike, or use public transportation. Additionally, choosing cleaner vehicles, such as electric or hybrid cars, can significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality.
