Helena Joyce
Cars are a major contributor to air pollution and its associated health consequences worldwide. Air pollution is caused by the presence of foreign substances in the air, or excessive amounts of certain impurities that wouldn't otherwise be harmful. When cars burn gasoline, they emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, soot, and particulate matter. These pollutants have been linked to adverse health impacts on nearly every organ system in the body, with exposure disproportionately affecting marginalised communities. While new technologies and alternative fuels have helped reduce emissions, the sheer number of vehicles on the road continues to contribute to air pollution.
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Carbon dioxide
Passenger cars are a major source of CO2 emissions, accounting for 61% of total CO2 emissions from road transport in the EU. The average occupancy rate of 1.6 people per car in Europe in 2018 highlights the potential for reducing emissions through car-sharing or shifting to public transport, cycling, and walking. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, with sales tripling between 2020 and 2021, and they offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel cars.
In the United States, transportation is the largest source of heat-trapping emissions, with vehicles powered by fossil fuels being major contributors. The EPA has taken steps to address climate change by developing emission standards and evaluating the greenhouse gas performance of vehicles. The SmartWay program, for example, helps improve supply chain efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases in the freight transportation sector.
The buildup of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere leads to global warming and climate change. While the transportation sector has made progress in reducing emissions, the increasing number of vehicles on the roads offsets some of these improvements. Individual actions, such as driving less, combining trips, and adopting more efficient vehicles or alternative fuels, can help mitigate the impact of car air pollution on the environment.
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Carbon monoxide
The internal combustion engine, a primary component of gasoline-fuelled automobiles, is one of the most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure. When fuel is burned in a car engine, carbon monoxide is emitted. A typical internal combustion engine used in most cars and trucks can produce high concentrations of CO. While changes in engine design, fuel, and emission control devices have reduced CO emissions, faulty or poorly maintained exhaust systems can result in increased CO levels within the vehicle.
The dangers of carbon monoxide are well-documented. Breathing air with a high concentration of CO affects critical organs, including the heart and brain. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body's organs, leading to serious health issues such as throbbing headaches, disorientation, drowsiness, convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death.
It is important to be vigilant about potential sources of carbon monoxide exposure and to take preventive measures to ensure safety. Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections are crucial to identify and address any issues, such as exhaust leaks or faulty emission systems, that could contribute to carbon monoxide exposure.
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Nitrogen dioxide
The production of nitrogen dioxide in car engines is influenced by several factors. One factor is the amount of oxygen available during combustion. Increasing the oxygen allows the fuel to burn quicker, resulting in more power. However, this can also lead to higher volumes of nitrogen dioxide being produced.
To reduce the presence of nitrogen dioxide in modern vehicles, car manufacturers have implemented various strategies. For example, the introduction of Euro emissions standards has played a crucial role in limiting the number of emissions produced by cars. Additionally, newer cars produce considerably less nitrogen dioxide than older vehicles due to advancements in emission control technology.
While nitrogen dioxide emissions from cars are a significant concern, efforts are being made to mitigate their impact. Through the implementation of standards and regulations, such as those set by the EPA in the United States, there is a focus on reducing emissions and improving air quality.
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Hydrocarbons
When hydrocarbons combine with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight, they form ground-level ozone, which is a primary component of smog. Smog can cause respiratory issues and irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity. It is especially harmful to young children and asthmatics.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented standards and programs to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from vehicles, including surveillance testing and setting stringent emissions standards. These efforts have resulted in significant reductions in hydrocarbon pollution, with today's cars being 98-99% cleaner for most tailpipe pollutants compared to the 1960s.
Additionally, consumers can make environmentally conscious choices when purchasing vehicles, selecting models with lower pollution levels and better fuel efficiency. Driving less, carpooling, and using alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, or public transportation, can also help reduce hydrocarbon emissions from cars.
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Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxide is a chemical compound composed of two nitrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule (N2O). Nitrogen, which is non-combustible and does not support combustion, makes up 80% of our atmosphere. Nitrogen oxide, on the other hand, is a by-product of combustion. When a car engine runs, it causes combustion by heating up quickly. This process acts as a catalyst, binding nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O2) to form nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2), both referred to generically as nitrogen oxide (NOx).
Nitrous oxide (N2O) systems, also known as NOS, are used in cars to enhance performance by increasing the amount of oxygen available during combustion. When nitrous oxide is heated to around 570 degrees Fahrenheit, its molecules split into nitrogen and oxygen, providing more oxygen for combustion and allowing the engine to produce more power. This process is called "forced induction" and results in a more powerful and efficient engine.
However, the use of nitrous oxide in cars has raised concerns about the reliability and longevity of engines. The increased cylinder pressures place the engine under greater stress, particularly on components associated with the rotating assembly. If the engine components are unable to withstand this increased stress, major engine damage can occur, including cracked or destroyed pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, and blocks. Therefore, careful attention to the strength of engine components and the accuracy of mixing systems is crucial to prevent destructive detonations or exceeding engineered component maximums.
Nitrogen oxide emissions from cars have been linked to adverse health effects. In the United Kingdom, studies have reported associations between long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and respiratory and cardiovascular issues, children's respiratory symptoms, and lung function. The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has highlighted the negative consequences of nitrogen oxide pollution on public health. These concerns have led to increased scrutiny of car manufacturers, with Volkswagen being caught in the "dieselgate" scandal, intentionally using emissions controls during laboratory testing to hide higher nitrogen oxide emissions in real-world driving conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Car air pollution is made up of a variety of harmful gases and compounds, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The primary sources of these pollutants are the burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, and the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. The transportation sector, including cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles, is a major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban areas.
Car air pollution has significant impacts on human health. Carbon monoxide, for example, can affect critical organs like the heart and brain by blocking oxygen supply. Nitrogen dioxide and ozone, formed from nitrogen oxide emissions, can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity. Fine particles from soot and other pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health risks. Exposure to traffic emissions is particularly harmful to individuals with respiratory problems and heart disease, as well as vulnerable communities located near heavily trafficked areas.
