Kiera Jefferson
Cars are a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Passenger vehicles emit various air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulphur oxides (SOx). Additionally, cars emit greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to climate change. The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is directly linked to the global mean temperature. While electric vehicles are gaining popularity, the growing preference for fuel-intensive SUVs and an increase in overall driving distances have offset some of the progress made in reducing emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 8,887 grams CO2 per gallon of gasoline; 10,180 grams CO2 per gallon of diesel; 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year (average passenger vehicle) |
| Methane (CH4) | Varies based on vehicle fuel and fuel economy |
| Nitrous oxide (N2O) | Varies based on vehicle fuel and fuel economy |
| Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) | Small emissions from leaking air conditioners |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) | High concentrations can affect critical organs |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) | Forms from emissions from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and off-road vehicles |
| Nitrogen oxides (NOx) | Involved in reactions forming ground-level ozone, a respiratory irritant |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | Can react to form ground-level ozone |
| Particulate matter (PM) | Solid particles and liquid droplets that contribute to atmospheric haze and can damage lungs |
| Sulphur oxides (SOx) | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
The Earth's land and oceans usually act as giant sponges, absorbing much of the CO2 in the atmosphere. However, the oceans may have hit their limit, as there has been an unprecedented rise in ocean temperatures. In general, overloading the Earth's atmosphere with carbon dioxide is causing warming land and ocean temperatures, resulting in more severe storms, droughts, and other weather events. In 2024, there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters in the US that resulted in at least $1 billion in damages.
CO2 emissions from cars and vans worldwide grew by roughly 1.4% year-on-year in 2022 to 3.53 billion metric tons. Cars and vans account for around 10% of global CO2 emissions. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, although this can vary depending on the vehicle's fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven per year. A vehicle that uses more fuel will generally emit more CO2. In 2019, the average new light vehicle sold in Australia produced 181 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
To reduce your carbon footprint, you can walk, use a mechanical or electric bicycle, or use public transport instead of driving. If you need to drive, you can reduce your fuel consumption by driving at a moderate speed for the first five miles and avoiding air conditioning.
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Nitrous oxide (N2O)
N2O is also emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste, as well as during the treatment of wastewater and in industrial activities. In the context of vehicle emissions, N2O is primarily formed during the burning of gasoline or diesel fuel.
The impact of N2O emissions from vehicles is significant. While the global warming potential (GWP) of N2O is lower than that of CO2, it still contributes to the overall warming of the Earth. The GWP is a measure of how much energy the emissions of a gas will absorb over a given period, typically 100 years. Gases with higher GWP values contribute more to global warming.
Studies have been conducted to assess the "real-world" N2O emissions from road vehicles. One such study, conducted in a tunnel in Wuppertal, Germany, estimated an average emission factor of (6 ± 2) × 10-5 g of N2O/g of CO2, corresponding to an emission rate of 16−8 mg of N2O/km for vehicles with fuel economies of 12−6 L/100 km (20−40 mi/US gal).
It is important to note that while N2O emissions from vehicles contribute to global warming, they constitute a smaller proportion compared to other greenhouse gases such as CO2. However, the cumulative effect of various greenhouse gases, including N2O, leads to an overall increase in global temperatures and contributes to climate change.
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Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of synthetic gases composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. They are primarily used for cooling and refrigeration, including automotive air-conditioning units. HFCs are produced synthetically and have been commercially used since the 1990s as an alternative to CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which were banned in 1987 due to their ozone-depleting effects.
HFCs are a significant source of global warming and climate change. While they represent only around 2% of total greenhouse gases, their impact on global warming is much higher than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of mass. HFCs have a high global warming potential (GWP) due to their extreme warming effect. For example, HFC-23 has a GWP that is 14,800 times higher than carbon dioxide over 100 years. HFC-134a, another commonly used HFC, has an atmospheric lifetime of about 14 years and traps 1,400 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.
The use of HFCs has been increasing, particularly in developing countries, with an annual emissions growth rate of 10 to 15 percent. This increase is driven by the growing demand for cooling and refrigeration, as well as their use in the manufacturing of products such as cars, air conditioners, and refrigerators, and foam insulation. As a result, international efforts have been made to reduce HFC emissions and phase down their production and consumption.
In 2016, the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States published a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to procure alternatives to high-GWP HFCs. Additionally, an international agreement was reached in 2019 to limit HFC use, with developed countries taking the first steps to reduce emissions. These efforts aim to curb the impact of HFCs on global warming and encourage the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives.
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Carbon monoxide (CO)
The lethal consequences of carbon monoxide in engine exhaust are evident from the hundreds of people who die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a running vehicle. This can occur inside a closed garage or even in homes with attached garages. Gas-powered automobile engines can produce high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) quickly, affecting individuals before they realise they are at risk. For example, the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) notes that CO concentrations can reach dangerous levels in just 7 minutes when a small 5-horsepower gasoline engine is run in a 10,000 cubic foot room.
Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body's organs, leading to throbbing headaches, disorientation, drowsiness, unconsciousness, convulsions, and eventually death. It is challenging to detect carbon monoxide poisoning in a vehicle, as it is a silent killer without any noticeable smell or colour. However, automotive experts emphasise that certain vehicle malfunctions, such as loud noises or unusual smells, can indicate potential carbon monoxide leaks.
To prevent carbon monoxide exposure, it is crucial to follow best practices when operating a motor vehicle. This includes avoiding driving with the trunk lid or rear tailgate open, ensuring there are no holes in the car body, and never warming up a vehicle in a garage or any enclosed space. Regular servicing of the vehicle, especially the exhaust system, is essential to identify and repair any defects or leaks that could lead to carbon monoxide exposure.
Additionally, it is recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors or alarms in your vehicle to continuously monitor the carbon monoxide levels. These detectors are similar to those used in homes to protect families from carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your car, it is important to contact a mechanic or service technician immediately to diagnose and address the issue.
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Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
NOx emissions from vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, particularly in areas with high motor vehicle traffic such as large cities. The amount of NOx released into the atmosphere depends on the type of fuel and the combustion process. For example, diesel vehicles that meet the Euro 6 standards emit less NOx than those meeting the Euro 5 standards. Additionally, the use of nitrogen-fixing plants and agricultural fertilization contributes to NOx emissions by promoting nitrogen fixation by microorganisms in the soil.
The impact of NOx gases on air quality and human health is significant. They contribute to the formation of smog, which can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues for individuals living in affected areas. Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog, often found in polluted urban areas, and is considered a type of air pollution. While smog is a well-known issue, particularly in California, NOx gases also contribute to the formation of acid rain, which has detrimental effects on the environment.
Furthermore, NOx emissions have been linked to changes in forest compositions. A 2018 study by Indiana University found that certain tree species, such as maples, sassafras, and tulip poplar, are associated with ammonia-oxidizing bacteria that emit reactive nitrogen from the soil. This has led to a decrease in beneficial tree species, such as oak, beech, and hickory, which have microbes that absorb reactive nitrogen oxides. These changes in forest compositions can have further impacts on the environment and ecosystems.
While NOx emissions from vehicles are a significant concern, it is important to note that NOx is also produced naturally by lightning. However, human activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural practices, have significantly increased the amount of NOx in the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. To mitigate the impact of NOx emissions, it is crucial to reduce the combustion of fossil fuels and improve fuel efficiency, as well as explore cleaner alternatives for transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Car pollution refers to the release of harmful substances into the environment from cars. These pollutants are released from burning gasoline or diesel and can escape into the air even when pumping gasoline into fuel tanks.
Cars emit both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutant emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), trap heat from the sun in the earth's atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect and climate change. Cars also emit air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulphur oxides (SOx).
The amount of pollution emitted by cars varies depending on factors such as the type of fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven. A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. In addition, the transportation sector is responsible for a significant portion of total emissions, with road transportation accounting for a large percentage of EU's total CO2 emissions in 2019.
Car pollution can be reduced by improving fuel efficiency, transitioning to cleaner alternative fuels, and reducing the number of cars on the road. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity and are proven to be cleaner than vehicles running on petrol. Additionally, individuals can contribute by driving less, carpooling, or using public transportation when possible.
