Brian Barton
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 are usually harmless. When cars burn gasoline, they emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter directly into the air. These pollutants have been linked to climate change, environmental issues, and negative impacts on human health, especially for those living near busy roads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of air pollution caused by cars in urban areas | Higher than in non-urban areas |
| Percentage of air pollution caused by cars near major highways | Higher than in urban areas |
| Pollutants emitted by cars | Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), benzene, acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene |
| Pollutants emitted by car manufacturing | Plastic, paint, rubber |
| Pollutants emitted by car disposal | Depends on the method of disposal |
| Pollutants emitted by car fuel production | Depends on the type of fuel |
| Pollutants emitted by car fuel distribution | Depends on the type of fuel |
| Pollutants emitted by car fuel refining | Depends on the type of fuel |
| Health consequences of car pollution | Asthma, heart disease, birth defects, eye irritation, coughing, choking, reduced lung capacity, cancer, premature death |
| Environmental consequences of car pollution | Climate change, extreme weather events, displacement of wildlife populations, destruction of habitats, rising ocean levels, soil quality degradation, water quality degradation |
| Communities disproportionately affected by car pollution | Low-income communities, communities of color, Asian Americans, Black people, Latino people |
| Ways to reduce car pollution | Carpooling, walking, using public transportation, reducing the number of vehicles on the road, using electric vehicles, using hybrid cars, using alternative fuels, driving less, combining trips, biking |
| Organizations addressing car pollution | EPA, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Energy Information Administration, Union of Concerned Scientists, U.S. Green Vehicle Guide |
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What You'll Learn
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Nitrogen oxides are typically produced from the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen during the combustion of fuels, especially at high temperatures, such as in car engines. In areas with high motor vehicle traffic, such as large cities, the nitrogen oxides emitted from cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles can be a significant source of air pollution. The percentage of air pollution caused by cars is higher in urban areas and near major highways.
The health effects of nitrogen oxides are significant, particularly for people living near busy roads. When inhaled, nitrogen oxides can irritate the lungs and weaken the body's defences against respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza. High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air can affect the respiratory system, causing coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity. Additionally, when nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons combine in the presence of sunlight, they produce ground-level ozone, which contributes to smog and causes respiratory problems.
Nitrogen oxides are also formed through the high-temperature oxidation of diatomic nitrogen found in combustion air. The formation rate is influenced by temperature and the duration of nitrogen exposure to that temperature. Agricultural fertilization, the use of nitrogen-fixing plants, and biogenic (soil) NOx also contribute to atmospheric nitrogen oxide levels. The nitrification process transforms ammonia into nitrate, and denitrification is the reverse process, resulting in the emission of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
While cars are a major source of nitrogen oxide emissions, it is important to note that nitrogen oxides are also produced naturally by lightning. However, the nitrogen oxides produced by lightning are typically found at altitudes greater than 5 km, while those from combustion sources are usually found near the surface, where they have the most significant health impacts.
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Carbon dioxide (CO2)
CO2 emissions from cars vary based on geographical location. In the United States, motor vehicles contribute significantly to CO2 emissions, accounting for about 22% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. Highway vehicles alone release about 1.7 billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually, with carbon dioxide being the predominant pollutant. Similarly, in the European Union, passenger cars are a major source of CO2 emissions, responsible for 61% of total CO2 emissions from road transport. In 2019, transport accounted for about a quarter of the EU's total CO2 emissions, with road transportation contributing 71.7% to that figure.
Recognizing the environmental impact of CO2 emissions, governments and organizations have implemented measures to reduce them. The EU, for instance, has introduced new CO2 emission targets, aiming for zero emissions from new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 2035. The US government has also imposed stricter emissions standards, and the popularity of electric vehicles is rising. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, although emissions are associated with electricity production and distribution. Nevertheless, with the increasing share of electricity from renewable sources, electric cars are expected to become even more environmentally friendly.
To lower CO2 emissions from cars, two primary approaches can be taken: improving vehicle efficiency and transitioning to alternative fuels. Improving fuel efficiency can be achieved through technological advancements and better maintenance of vehicles. Additionally, shifting from gasoline and diesel to electric vehicles or alternative fuels, such as hybrid cars, can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
While efforts are being made to mitigate CO2 emissions, it is important to acknowledge the health and environmental risks associated with this pollutant. Carbon dioxide contributes to global climate change, leading to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, habitat destruction, and rising sea levels. Moreover, CO2 emissions from vehicles directly impact human health, particularly for individuals living near busy roads or highways. Exposure to CO2 and other tailpipe pollutants can cause respiratory issues and has been linked to various health problems, including certain types of cancer.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs include toxic air pollutants such as benzene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene, which have been linked to various types of cancer. Other VOCs emitted from vehicles include alkanes, alcohols, ketones, alkenes, aldehydes, esters, and naphthalene. The specific types and concentrations of VOCs can vary depending on factors such as vehicle model, fuel type, emission standards, driving speed, and temperature. For example, diesel vehicles tend to have higher emissions of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) and heavier aromatics compared to gasoline vehicles.
The presence of VOCs in the atmosphere can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, protecting us from ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level, it can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity. VOCs are also a precursor to secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), which contribute to particulate matter pollution.
The concentration of VOCs is typically higher in urban areas and downwind regions, affecting communities located near major roadways. Efforts to improve emission standards and reduce traffic congestion can help lower VOC emissions. Additionally, advancements in fuel technology and the adoption of alternative fuels, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, can contribute to reducing VOC emissions from cars.
Furthermore, the interior air quality of vehicles is also important to consider. Studies have shown that the concentration of VOCs inside vehicles can increase under high-temperature conditions, potentially impacting the health of occupants. Overall, VOCs from vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution and have implications for both environmental and human health.
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Particulate matter (PM)
PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that are small enough to be inhaled and cause health problems in humans and animals. These particles form in the atmosphere as a result of reactions between chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted from car exhausts. Due to their size, these particles can travel over long distances by wind before settling on land or water. This can result in a number of environmental issues, such as making bodies of water more acidic, changing the nutrient balance in the soil, damaging sensitive ecosystems, and contributing to acid rain.
PM air pollution has been linked to a range of negative health impacts. Exposure to PM has been associated with preventable deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits, particularly in high-poverty neighborhoods. It can cause lung irritation and weaken the body's defenses against respiratory infections. Long-term exposure to PM, especially in high concentrations, has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, asthma, heart disease, birth defects, and eye irritation.
In addition to the direct health effects, PM from car exhausts has been found to alter the function of human iPSC-derived microglia, which are the immune cells of the brain. This alteration may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The concentration of PM in the air varies depending on various factors. For example, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are typically highest during windows-open scenarios, followed by fan-on and recirculation. Spatial variation also exists, with pollution hotspots making up a significant portion of certain routes. Additionally, PM exposure is generally higher during morning peak hours and in densely populated urban areas.
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Climate change
Cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all US emissions, emitting around 24 pounds of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases for every gallon of gas. The US transportation sector, which includes cars, trucks, planes, trains, ships, and freight, produces nearly 30% of all US global warming emissions, making it the largest contributor to US greenhouse gas emissions.
Burning fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. The buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons is causing the Earth’s atmosphere to warm, resulting in changes to the climate. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. This number can vary based on a vehicle’s fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven per year. The average passenger vehicle emits about 400 grams of CO2 per mile.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, the EPA has implemented several programs and standards. The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act requires federal agencies to acquire low-emitting vehicles. The EPA also evaluates the greenhouse gas emissions performance of federal fleets annually and requires agencies to purchase high-performing vehicles. Additionally, the EPA has developed the SmartWay program, which helps the freight transportation sector improve supply chain efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases, and save fuel costs.
There are also ways for individuals to reduce their vehicle's pollution output. Driving the most efficient vehicle one can afford, maintaining one's vehicle, and driving smarter can all help reduce pollution. Driving smarter includes observing speed limits, accelerating gradually, and reducing the number of miles driven. Electric vehicles, for example, produce zero emissions when using electricity from renewable sources.
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Frequently asked questions
The primary air pollutant released by cars is carbon dioxide (CO2).
Cars also release nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
Car pollution contributes to climate change and global warming, leading to extreme weather events, rising ocean levels, habitat destruction, and displacement of wildlife populations. It also negatively impacts soil and water quality.
Car pollution has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, coughing, choking, reduced lung capacity, and an increased risk of cancer, asthma, heart disease, birth defects, and eye irritation.
