Air pollution from cars is a frequently noticed problem lately with raising up vehicle traffic and uncontrolled petroleum combustion with developing population.
Even though there is a general trend toward higher levels of air pollution, vehicles powered by internal combustion engines have become an indispensable component of modern society.
This is the case despite the fact that technological advances have made environmentally friendly electric cars something of a market trend.
According to the records kept by the EPA, the cause behind the creation of automobiles was the rapid expansion of the industrial background that occurred after the end of the second world war.
Exhaust from motor vehicles is responsible for a significant portion of the pollution that has accumulated in the atmosphere of the United States in the 21st century.
In this article, Lassowond is going to discuss a number of fascinating facts regarding air pollution caused by cars, which might contribute to your overall knowledge. Read, and enjoy.
What Pollutants in Car Exhaust?
Most of the car engines in the market use petroleum gas as the fuel for their combustion in the engine.
As byproducts, there are several kinds of air pollution released after internal combustion almost all of them are quite hazardous to living beings.
1. Particulate Matter (PM 10/ PM 2.5/ PM 1)
Particulate matter is the most prevalent air pollutant in exhaust emissions, which release the pollutant as small particles of varying sizes.
Carbonaceous solids and heavy hydrocarbons produced from gasoline and lubricating oil are the primary contributors to particulate matter.
In addition, PM contains a sizeable amount of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). According to the data, this air pollutant was classified into two principal components in road vehicles.
- Exhaust
- Non-exhaust
The primary issue with the policies is that they do not adequately address non-exhaust particle emissions. Multiple variables contribute to non-exhaust PM emissions.
- Vehicle weight
- Driving styles
- Material composition of brakes/ tyres/ roads
- Dust on road surfaces
Diesel vehicles account for the vast majority of particulate matter (PM) emissions, but according to non-exhaust PM emission data, electric vehicles also have a contribution, albeit one that is substantially smaller than that of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Exposure to particulate matter, there are several medical conditions that can often occur.
- Respiratory infections
- Lung cancer
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
2. Carbon oxides (CO/ CO2)
Carbon oxides are the most prevalent air pollutant produced by fuel combustion. The majority of fuels have hydrocarbons in their chemical structure; their combustion produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
Despite the fact that carbon monoxide may be produced when the oxygen content in an internal combustion engine is low, this product may be carbon monoxide.
This carbon monoxide is referred to as the silent killer due to its odorless and direct threat to life.
Carbon monoxide exposure causes the respiratory system to fill with monoxide. When this air pollution is taken into the bloodstream, it interacts directly with hemoglobin to form a stable compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
This compound paralyzes the interaction between oxygen and hemoglobin and prevents the body from absorbing oxygen.
Any exposure to CO as a driver results in dangerous effects and the majority of accidents. Lack of oxygen to the brain causes cognitive impairment, inability to make decisions, and sleepiness.
3. Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides, often known as NOx gases, are the primary cause of acid rain and numerous medical ailments, including breathing difficulties, headaches, and persistently diminished lung function.
More than 78% of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas, and the production of oxides requires a greater amount of energy compared to other gases.
Lighting is typically one of the primary contributors to the production of nitrogen oxides, along with internal combustion in vehicle engines.
Despite contemporary technology and regulation controlling it to a great degree, its effects on individuals and the agricultural industry are evident.
Main medical conditions caused by the NOx gases.
- Pulmonary edema
- Pneumonitis
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Emphysema
- Cough, hyperpnoea, and dyspnea
- Cough, rapid, shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, and inadequate oxygenation of the tissues.
Other than these air pollutants, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde are the primary byproducts of engine internal combustion that contribute to air pollution.
Highest Air pollution in Red lights, Intersections
According to a study conducted at the University of Surrey, drivers spend only two percent of their route time passing through traffic crossings governed by lights; nonetheless, this little period accounts for around 25 percent of their entire exposure to dangerous particles.
- Frequent driving alterations
- 29% times greater peak particle concentration in the vicinity of stop signs than in other areas of free-flowing traffic.
- Spend additional time compared to free-flowing traffic
Local road guidelines or Google Map programs constantly update the road traffic conditions throughout your routes, which is highly advantageous for avoiding unnecessary traffic jams.
How to manage the air pollution around the intersections and red lights?
- Keep the window shut
- Maintain proper automobile distance
- Turn off the ventilation fans
Why the inside car is more polluted than the Outside?
Most people are unaware that the car cabin is one of the most polluted interior locations relative to the outdoor air.
Through a filtration procedure, it periodically recirculates the airways’ burden. It does not continuously maintain an atmosphere of another world.
This filtration is mostly divided into two distinct sections:
- Particle charging technology
- Use of mechanical filtration
Through this filtering method, a greater quantity of fine particles and air pollutants can be effectively filtered.
The difficulty, however, is the air recirculation procedure. When the car is overused, air pollution rises to a noteworthy degree, primarily in the form of briefly elevated levels of PM2.5, VOC, and CO2.
When a vehicle moves in a traffic jam or pauses at red lights, the same internal atmospheric problems can be observed.
How to keep away from Air Pollution from Cars?
1. Maintain the automobile’s air filtering system
Every automobile has its unique air filtration system that protects the occupants from a variety of air contaminants.
However, the majority of us do not view its replacement or cleaning as a big task.
2. Consider Catalytic Converters
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that catalyzes a redox reaction to transform hazardous gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from motor vehicle engines into less dangerous pollutants.
They are quite effective at filtering numerous air contaminants generated by internal combustion engines.
3. Tune your automobile engine
By doing routine maintenance on your vehicle, you may drastically reduce pollutants and maximize fuel efficiency.
By regulating the gas and airflow, we can simply avoid the consequences of incomplete engine combustion that lead to a number of harmful air pollutants.
4. Utilize automobile air purifiers
These days, the majority of individuals use automobile air purifiers, rather than relying solely on in-car air filters.
The rapid increase in indoor air pollution or recirculation creates a very uncomfortable climate in your cabin at any given moment. Preparedness is always the best option.
5. Reduce your exposure to the outside
One of the most common errors individuals make is leaving the window open while driving or in traffic jams near red light stops.
However, near these locations, a higher concentration of air contaminants may be present, and they can quickly accumulate inside your vehicle. So the decision is yours.
6. Clean car interior clean
Physical cleanliness within the cabin is big laziness that we all possess. It is quite difficult or time-consuming.
However, it can be a lifesaver in the most uncomfortable situations inside the automobile when the driver is behind the wheel.
When you move the position of your automobile or spend a long time in the same spot, food remnants, pet dander, and dust always create an unpleasant interior.
7. Maintain car distance
We have all heard that the National Safety Council recommends a minimum following distance of three seconds in order to avoid an accident in a short period of time.
However, when you are near automobile traffic, you are also surrounded by danger. Your front vehicle’s exhaust will be directed toward you, yet you will not imagine anything negative.
Maintain a suitable space between vehicles in order to prevent exhaust from entering the cabin of a vehicle.
This may rely directly on the size and speed of the vehicle, as well as prevailing meteorological conditions.
*This page contains affiliate links, and We earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. Please review our Affiliate Disclaimer for details.