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Effects of Car Emissions

The motor vehicle is an invention that has changed mankind. Our cars help us get to work and home, to school, to appointments, to fun dates and shopping. Our cars take us everywhere we need or want to go. What we rarely think of, though, is the effects of the fumes our cars put out into the environment. We can all help the environment by walking or bicycling instead of driving a car when we can.

  1. Hydrocarbons and Nitrogen Oxides

    • Hydrocarbons create ground smog; they do this by reacting with nitrogen oxides and the sunlight. When hydrocarbons are inhaled, they aggravate respiratory problems and damage your lungs. Some exhaust hydrocarbons are toxic and are known to cause cancer. Nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain. Nitrogen oxides are created when there is high pressure in the engine and temperature. Nitrogen and oxygen atoms react together to form nitrogen oxides.

    Carbon Monoxide

    • Carbon monoxide is a carbon atom and an oxygen atom linked together. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is colorless, odorless and very poisonous. It is formed from partially burned hydrogen-based fuels such as gasoline. Carbon monoxide is emitted from your car, and this is more likely to happen when you have a low air-to-fuel ratio in your engine or when you are in an atmosphere with thin air, causing the engine to choke.

    Carbon Dioxide

    • Carbon dioxide is another gas emitted from your car. It is caused by the engine not burning all of the fuel completely. Carbon dioxide does not pose a health risk; however, it is a greenhouse gas and is harmful to the ozone layer.

    Fuel Emission Losses

    • There are also evaporative fuel emission losses due to hot days. A diurnal loss is when the temperature rises and heats the fuel tank. Gasoline vapors escape by venting. Running losses are from the hot engine and exhaust running. A hot soak loss is from your engine remaining hot for a long period of time after the vehicle is turned off. The gas fuel is evaporated by the heat. Also, when you refuel, you push gas vapors out of the engine. Fuel emissions help account for hydrocarbon pollution.

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