[edit] Major Car Pollutants | Tailpipe Emissions
Complete books can be written on the various pollutants produced from automobile use in society. For most drivers the basics of the types of pollutants and the damages caused by each one is sufficient to make us realize the effects society is having on the environment.
The main pollutants to understand are:
• Particulate Matter (PM)
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
• Hydrocarbons (HC)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• Toxic Chemicals
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter is really airborne particles that are so small as to be almost impossible to see. Breathing this type of air pollution is a problem for many people including those with heart or lung diseases, children and the elderly as well as those with health conditions like asthma. These airborne particles have long been known to cause various lung issues including:
• Shortness of breath
• Deterioration of existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
• Damage to the lung tissues
• Causes cancer
| All buildings experience damage from tailpipe emissions over time
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As these air particles land, there is damage to the soil and surrounding water. The air quality from the resulting haze causes visibility issues in many regions of the country. Buildings and other materials of all kinds experience damage over time as well
There have been limited regulations governing PM as they only applied to a certain size of 10 microns or PM10. It’s the much smaller ones that appear to cause the extensive health problems. The EPA is now regulating particles up to 2.5 microns or PM2.5.
Nitrogen Oxides
This compound is formed when nitrogen gas reacts to oxygen during fuel combustion. This pollution is hazardous on many levels:
• It is an irritant to our lungs causing and aggravating all types of respiratory problems.
• It causes ozone.
• It is a precursor to fine particles, which causes respiratory problem and contributes to thousands of deaths each year.
• It is a precursor to acid rain, which in turns harms our environment.
This is one of the most difficult pollutants to control. The emissions from motor vehicles are responsible for approximately one third of nationwide NOx emissions.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur is found in gasoline and diesel. It burns in the engine with sulfur dioxide being the result. This gas is a lung irritant, a contributor to the acid rain problem and is a source of secondary PM. Some of the newer gasolines have low levels of sulfur with more reductions in process under the EPA guidelines.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbon pollution happens every time we fill our gas tanks as the gasoline vapour contains various hydrocarbons. Some places have special nozzles on fuel pumps to try and contain these vapors. However these vapors can seep out from gas tanks, pipes and hoses if not properly sealed. If there is incomplete combustion in the engine, Hydrocarbons will be ejected from the tailpipe. Diesel has less of these issues than gasoline. Hydrocarbons react with NOx to form ozone smog. Controlling this smog is a huge environmental headache.
Carbon Monoxide
This odourless and colorless gas can be deadly. If inhaled, the carbon monoxide (CO) mixes with haemoglobin in the blood, which slows the flow of oxygen throughout our bodies. It can cause permanent damage to the nervous system and even death. Even at low levels, the toxicity of this compound can harm people. In some areas of the country there is enough CO from cars and trucks to cause health risks just from standing outside.
'C'arbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is formed when fossil fuels are burned. It is a colorless and odorless gas. When inhaled at high concentrations it can produce a sour taste in the mouth and a stinging sensation in the nose and throat. Carbon dioxide is consider to be a greenhouse gas.
As a rough guide, understand that for a certain amount of fuel burned, there is close to the same amount of CO2 emitted.
Toxic Chemicals
Many toxic chemicals are related to automobile emissions. Smog forming hydrocarbons, such as benzene in gasoline, cause cancer. There are also many toxic chemicals released during the automobile manufacturing process. Then when they are junked, there are toxins like lead, mercury and chromium that get into the ground, water and the air where they stay for a long time. Another toxic source is diesel exhaust.
Ozone
Vehicles do not emit ozone. However they are a major cause of the ozone smog. They add to the Hydrocarbons in the air and the NOx from the tailpipe reacts with them to actually create ozone. Most major cities in the US have serious smog problems as a direction result of the pollution from vehicles.
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