Your car is causing air pollution. You’ve probably noticed smoke rising out of your exhaust pipe. It’s no secret that pollution from vehicles can be hazardous to human health and the environment. The EPA says that cars and other vehicles account for 50% of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in cities. These are created during combustion and industrial processes. The personal automobile is by far the largest source of air pollution. By causing a hole in the ozone layer, your car is contributing to smog, respiratory problems, and many other problems cinewap.org.
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New cars are required to meet strict European Union vehicle emissions standards, known as Euro standards. Euro standards regulate the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) a car emits, and they gradually tighten the limits each year. Car emissions are now displayed on colour-coded labels in showrooms, similar to the ones you find on your washing machine or fridge. If your car is older than ten years old, it’s most likely to be polluting.
The first connection between automobile pollution and air pollution began in the early 1950s when a researcher from the University of California concluded that vehicles were responsible for the smog over Los Angeles. New cars emit a variety of pollutants, including 13 grams of hydrocarbons per mile, 3.6 grams of nitrogen oxides, and 87 grams of carbon monoxide per mile. To combat these effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established standards for automobile emissions. As a result, the auto industry has responded with new emission control technologies.
Although the death toll from air pollution continues to decline, it is important to note that some factors have helped offset the reduction in vehicle emissions. For example, the number of miles traveled per vehicle increased as the population of cars increased. Consequently, if the average car still produced six tonnes of pollutants every year, it would have caused a 78 percent increase in deaths. If this trend continues, the study authors call for further action to reduce emissions.
A diesel engine is the largest contributor of air pollution. Diesel engines emit particulate matter that can cause eye and skin irritation, as well as allergies and respiratory problems. Hydrocarbons, which react with nitrogen dioxide to form ozone, can make it difficult to breathe and cause chest pain. Carbon monoxide, which is especially hazardous for infants, affects the ability of blood to transport oxygen. Other pollutants that contribute to air pollution include sulfur dioxide and benzene.
You can make a huge impact on air pollution by making small changes to your driving habits. Driving less frequently and less aggressively will reduce the amount of air pollution in your city. If you’d rather drive a different car, consider joining a car-sharing club or liftshare service. If you have a current vehicle, consider upgrading to a cleaner model by researching the benefits of alternative fuels and technologies. If you can’t afford a new model, consider modifying your old one to save fuel and reduce emissions.
