Vehicle Pollutants: Cities' Health Hazards And Environmental Threats

Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution, with cars, trucks and buses producing about one-third of all US air pollution. Pollutants from vehicle exhausts can cause a range of health problems, from lung issues to premature death. The pollutants include carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, formaldehyde and benzene. These emissions contribute to smog and poor air quality, which has a negative impact on the health and welfare of citizens.

Pollutants from vehicle exhaust can cause premature death

The transportation sector also contributes to emissions of air toxics, which are compounds that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects. Pollutants from vehicle exhaust can affect more than just the lungs. They pose health risks at every stage of life and can even cause premature death.

The impacts of climate change, driven by heat-trapping emissions, also affect people's health and the well-being of entire communities. Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, sea level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfires that can devastate local communities. People in low-income communities and communities of colour are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Marginalised by urban segregation in US cities, these communities are often located near freight centres and heavily travelled roadways. They may lack access to the resources to adapt to or move away from air pollution and climate-related damage.

In addition to the direct health impacts, vehicle emissions also contribute to smog and poor air quality, which have negative consequences for the health and welfare of citizens. Poor air quality is associated with a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues, which can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of premature death.

Pollutants from vehicles contribute to smog and poor air quality

The transportation sector is the largest source of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions in the US. In California, the transportation sector accounts for nearly 80% of nitrogen oxide pollution and 80% of the pollutants that cause smog. Pollutants from vehicles also contribute to climate change, which has negative impacts on the health and well-being of communities. Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, sea level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfires that can devastate local communities. People in low-income communities and communities of colour are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution due to urban segregation in US cities.

The impacts of vehicle emissions on air quality and health are significant. Pollutants from vehicles contribute to smog and poor air quality, which has negative consequences for the health and well-being of citizens. The transportation sector also emits air toxics, which are compounds that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects. It is important to address the issue of vehicle emissions and their impact on air quality to protect the health and well-being of communities.

Vehicle emissions are the dominant source of air pollutants in many areas

In the US, vehicle emissions are the largest source of carbon monoxide (56% nationwide and up to 95% in cities) and nitrogen oxides (45% attributed to the transportation sector). California's transportation sector accounts for nearly 80% of nitrogen oxide pollution and 80% of the pollutants that cause smog. The transportation sector also contributes to emissions of air toxics, which are compounds that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects.

Vehicle emissions contribute to poor air quality, which has negative impacts on the health and welfare of citizens. Pollutants that contribute to poor air quality include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can affect more than just the lungs, as they are breathed directly into the lungs of people living in cities. Marginalized communities in US cities are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution, as they are often located near freight centres and heavily travelled roadways.

Climate change, driven by heat-trapping emissions, also affects people's health and the well-being of entire communities. It leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, sea level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfires that can devastate local communities. Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to climate change, and the impacts of climate change further exacerbate the negative effects of air pollution on communities.

Pollutants from vehicles disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of colour

Vehicle emissions are the largest source of carbon monoxide in the US, with up to 95% of carbon monoxide in cities coming from vehicles. They are also a significant source of nitrogen oxides, with 45% attributed to the transportation sector. These pollutants contribute to smog and poor air quality, which have negative impacts on the health and welfare of citizens.

The transportation sector also contributes to emissions of air toxics, which are compounds that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects. These include volatile organic compounds and sulfur dioxide, which are released when vehicles burn gasoline and diesel. Pollutants from vehicle exhaust can increase the risk of asthma, heart and lung disease, dementia and cancers, especially in children and those who live near busy roads or commute long distances.

The building of roads to support vehicles and the resulting urban sprawl can also have negative impacts on communities. This issue is difficult to address through technological advancements like fuel efficiency and electric propulsion, as it is influenced by other factors such as population growth and resource consumption.

Vehicle emissions contribute to the risk of morbidity and mortality for drivers, commuters and people living near roadways

Vehicle emissions are the largest source of carbon monoxide in the US, and up to 95% of carbon monoxide in cities. They are also a significant source of nitrogen oxides, which are known to cause smog. The transportation sector in California accounts for nearly 80% of nitrogen oxide pollution and 80% of the pollutants that cause smog.

Internal combustion engines produce high temperatures that burn nitrogen in the air, forming nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), collectively known as NOx. NOx is a significant contributor to poor air quality, along with particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The transportation sector also contributes to emissions of air toxics, which are compounds that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects.

People in low-income communities and communities of colour are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution. These communities are often located near freight centres and heavily travelled roadways and can lack access to the resources to adapt to or move away from air pollution.

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