Helena Joyce
Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are major contributors to air pollution. While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact percentage of air pollution that comes from cars, the transportation sector is responsible for over 55% of nitrogen oxide emissions in the US and nearly 75% of carbon monoxide pollution. Cars emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, formaldehyde, and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory issues and adverse health impacts on almost every organ system in the body. Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions from cars contribute significantly to global warming and climate change. To reduce pollution from cars, individuals can opt for more fuel-efficient vehicles, electric cars, or simply drive less, as reducing mileage is the most effective way to decrease car-related air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a key ingredient in smog. VOCs emitted from cars include the toxic air pollutants benzene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene, which are linked to various types of cancer. |
| Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) | NOx forms ground-level ozone and particulate matter. It can cause lung irritation and weaken defences against respiratory infections. Transportation emits more than half of nitrogen oxides in the air. |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | CO is an odourless, colourless, and poisonous gas formed by the combustion of fossil fuels. It blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs like the brain and heart. Vehicles cause nearly 75% of CO pollution in the US. |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | NO2 is formed from vehicle emissions and affects the respiratory system. It contributes to smog and causes respiratory problems. |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | CO2 is the principal greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change. Burning gasoline produces about 8,887 grams (20 pounds) of CO2 per gallon, which remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years. |
| Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) | CH4 and N2O are emitted from the tailpipes of gasoline vehicles. |
| Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) | All vehicles can emit HFC from leaking air conditioners. Electric vehicles also emit small amounts. |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | Motor vehicles burning sulfur-containing fuels, especially diesel and coal, produce SO2. SO2 can react in the atmosphere to form fine particles, posing health risks, especially to children and asthmatics. |
| Particulate Matter (PM) | Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, contributing to atmospheric haze and damaging lungs. |
| Pollutants in Fuel Production | Pollution is also emitted during fuel production, including extraction, transportation, refining, and distribution. |
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What You'll Learn
Carbon monoxide
The dangers of carbon monoxide lie in its ability to block oxygen from reaching vital organs such as the brain and heart when inhaled. This can lead to serious health issues and even death. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is a well-known phenomenon, especially in suicide attempts. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can also lead to long-term health issues. A study conducted on employees working at indoor car wash facilities found that they had higher blood levels of carbon monoxide, indicating chronic repetitive exposure to the gas.
Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to carbon monoxide pollution, with the Environmental Protection Agency estimating that vehicles cause nearly 75% of carbon monoxide pollution in the United States. This is a major concern, especially in large cities, where air pollution from motor vehicle emissions can account for about 70%. The problem is exacerbated by traffic congestion in urban areas, leading to a very large amount of carbon monoxide pollution.
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Nitrogen oxides
NOx emissions from vehicles have been regulated since the 1960s. While it is not possible to design an internal combustion engine that does not produce NOx, there are ways to minimise its formation and remove it from the exhaust. Lowering the combustion temperature can help reduce NOx production. Aftertreatment devices can also be used to chemically convert NOx in the exhaust into nitrogen and water and/or carbon dioxide (CO2). Modern gasoline-engine vehicles are typically equipped with three-way catalytic converters, which are effective and inexpensive.
Despite these measures, NOx emissions from vehicles remain a significant concern. The transportation sector is responsible for over 55% of NOx emissions in the United States, with heavy-duty vehicles alone contributing 45% of NOx emissions from on-road vehicles. In cities like London, NOx levels have exceeded the EU limit of 40 micrograms per cubic metre of air. The health impacts of NOx are well-documented, including lung irritation and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections. The World Health Organization recognises NO2 as a direct hazard to health, particularly in aggravating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
To address NOx pollution, various alternatives have been proposed, including creating clean air zones within cities, implementing fuel duties to discourage diesel use, and providing economic incentives for switching to cleaner transport options such as electric or hybrid vehicles. While diesel bans in cities have been suggested, they may not be politically acceptable. The complex interplay of factors, such as combustion temperatures, engine load, and emission control technologies, underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate NOx emissions from vehicles.
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Volatile organic compounds
VOCs are emitted from both gasoline and diesel vehicles, with diesel vehicles generally having higher emission factors for most VOC species. Oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) are an important class of compounds in vehicle exhaust, accounting for more than 50% of total VOC emissions from diesel vehicles. The concentration of VOCs inside vehicles may be higher compared to public or private buildings and can vary depending on factors such as interior temperature, humidity, ventilation, and vehicle age.
The contribution of VOCs from vehicle-related sources can vary depending on the location. For example, in urban areas of Guangzhou and Chongqing, China, vehicle-related sources contributed 80% and 44% of VOCs, respectively. In Seoul, 58% of aromatic hydrocarbons were derived from vehicle emissions.
The emission factors of VOCs generally decrease with the improvement of emission standards, particularly for gasoline vehicles. Cold starts significantly influence VOC emissions from gasoline vehicles, while this influence is less important for diesel vehicles.
VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, which is a main ingredient in smog. Ground-level ozone irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity.
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Particulate matter
PM2.5, or fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, is linked to increased illness and death, primarily from heart and lung diseases. It is estimated to be responsible for approximately 95% of the global public health impacts from air pollution. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with increased death rates from cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, as well as other adverse impacts such as lung cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
On-road transportation is considered one of the primary sources of PM2.5 emissions. While on-road transportation only contributes to around 1% of PM2.5 emissions on average, it still resulted in approximately 3605 premature deaths in 2010 and a total of 50,223 premature deaths from 2003 to 2016.
Exposure to PM2.5 pollution from cars, trucks, and buses is inequitable. Asian Americans, Black people, and Latino people experience higher concentrations of PM2.5 pollution compared to White people. This disparity is even more evident when comparing specific census tracts, with Latino, African American, and Asian Americans overrepresented in the areas with the highest exposure to particulate matter from on-road vehicles.
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Greenhouse gases
Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are major contributors to air pollution. Transportation emits more than half of nitrogen oxides in the air and is a major source of heat-trapping emissions. The Environmental Defense Fund estimates that transportation causes nearly 27% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Motor vehicles emit pollutants, predominantly carbon dioxide, that contribute to global climate change. In addition to carbon dioxide, automobiles using gasoline produce methane and nitrous oxide from the tailpipe, and all vehicles can emit hydrofluorocarbon from leaking air conditioners. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, although this varies depending on the vehicle's fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven per year.
Tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks, and buses account for over one-fifth of the United States' total global warming pollution. The production and distribution of gasoline also create greenhouse gases, for example, through the extraction of oil, transportation, refining, and distribution to service stations.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is the presence of foreign substances in the air that don't belong there, or excessive amounts of certain impurities that wouldn't harm us otherwise.
Cars emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide blocks oxygen from reaching the brain, heart, and other vital organs.
Vehicle pollutants have been linked to adverse impacts on nearly every organ system in the body. They are believed to cause cancer and contribute to asthma, heart disease, birth defects, and eye irritation.
You can reduce your car's pollution by driving less, choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle, or switching to an electric vehicle.
