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The Effects of Air Pollution on Motor Vehicle Drivers

As much as we love our vehicles, the fact remains driving our cars exposes us to a variety of pollutants. The effects of pollution on motor vehicle drivers can range from minor irritation to death in some cases. Although tighter emission controls can help, it is unlikely that pollution caused by the internal combustion engine can be completely eliminated.

  1. Particulate Matter

    • Respiratory distress from car exhaust can be created by particulate matter pollution, which is solid and liquid particles in the air that contain smoke and soot. Symptoms caused by exposure to particulate matter include coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.

    Cancer Risk

    • According to the Environmental Protection Agency, volatile organic compounds are released inside a car from the exhaust of both gasoline and diesel engines. While these compounds have not been proven to directly cause cancer, the EPA has indicated they may be a contributing factor through cumulative exposure.

    Carbon Monoxide Exposure

    • Another form of pollution attributed to the internal combustion engine is carbon monoxide (CO). Exposure to high levels of CO can be lethal to humans when the inhaled gas combines with hemoglobin in the blood, as it can result in the stoppage of oxygen flow to the brain and heart. CO can be difficult to detect because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

    Nitrogen Oxide Exposure

    • Nitrogen oxides combine with other chemicals in auto exhaust to form a chemical reaction that causes pollution. Direct exposure can lead to eye irritation and inflame existing medical conditions like asthma and influenza. According to the International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, drivers are exposed to nearly three times the amount of nitrogen oxides than bicyclists riding in city streets.

    Ozone Exposure

    • Although the atmospheric ozone layer may help protect us from the harmful rays of the sun, ozone that is created by the combination of sunlight and the volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides from car exhaust is a pollutant. Prolonged exposure to ozone can cause lung scarring and lack of resistance to respiratory infections, although ozone is the only vehicle pollutant that causes more damage to those outside the car than inside.

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