Automobile Emissions, Individual Health and the
Environment
Pollutants
From
Automobiles
What It is
Health Impacts
Environmental Impacts
Nitrogen
Oxides
(NOx)
Nitric Oxide (NO) is the
major NOx component
and oxidizes into
nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
in the presence of
hydrocarbons and
sunlight. NO2 reacts
with hydrocarbons to
form ozone or with
water to form nitrate
(NO3), a significant
odour
increased sensitivity
of asthmatics and
those suffering from
bronchitis
NO2 is a lung irritant
which can produce
pulmonary edema at
high concentrations
increased
susceptibility to
respiratory infections
in young children and
the elderly
NO2 reacts with
water to form nitrate
(NO3), a source of
acid rain
Acid rain accounts
for an annual loss of
$197 billion in
commercial forest
wood products and
a further $1.3 billion
due to recreation
and wildlife habitat
destruction
NO2 contributes to
the corrosion of
metals and
degradation of
textiles, rubber and
polyurethane
NO2 is associated
with suppressed
vegetation growth
NO2 contributes to
ground-level ozone
formation
NO2 contributes to
stratospheric ozone
depletion
Carbon
Monoxide
(CO)
CO is a colourless,
odourless and
tasteless gas produced
through the incomplete
combustion of organic
materials. Personal
vehicles are one of the
main sources of CO,
accounting for 54% of
total CO emissions.
Cars operating at
colder temperatures
(during winter or engine
warm-up) produce
significant quantities of
this poisionous gas
CO reduces the
ability of the blood to
carry oxygen, and
smokers, persons
with heart disease,
and those with
anemia are especially
sensitive
greater susceptability
to respiratory
infections in children
and elderly
CO released into the
atmosphere
depletes the
atmosphere’s supply
of OH (hydroxyl
radical) which is the
main natural
cleansing agent of
the atmosphere. As
a result, CO
emissions
contribute to
increases in
methane, partially
halogenated CFCs
and the formation of
ozone under certain
NOx conditions.
Carbon
Dioxide
(CO2)
CO2 is a gas that
comes from the decay
of materials, respiration
and the natural and
human-induced
combustion of
materials and fuels.
Since the industrial
revolution, the natural
cycle of release and
absorption of CO2 in
the atmosphere has
become unbalanced
due to an increase in
human-produced CO2
which contributes to
global warming.
Indirect impact includes:
increased deaths related to
heat waves, dramatic
weather events, increased
transmission of vector-borne
and infectious diseases.
CO2 is the most
significant
greenhouse gas
contributing to
global warming
Hydrocarbons
(including
VOC)
A numerous and
chemically diverse
group of compounds,
non-methane
hydrocarbons and
volatile organic
compounds (VOC) are
important in the
formation of ozone.
VOC have at least one
carbon atom and
evaporate easily.
many individual VOC
(e.g., benzene) are
known to have or are
suspected of having
human health effects
ranging from
carcinogenicity to
neurotoxicity
some hydrocarbons
from diesel emissions
are carcinogenic
VOC contribute to
the formation of
ground-level ozone
Ozone
(O3)
Ozone is formed when
NOx and VOC combine
in the presence of
sunlight.
decrease in lung
function
eye irritation
decreased immune
function
possible long term
role in the
development of
chronic lung disease
reduced agricultural
productivity in crops
including soybeans,
tomatoes, potatoes
and corn
reduced growth rate
in trees including
red spruce, yellow
pine and sugar
maple
ground-level ozone
is a global warming
agent
Suspended
Particulates
Suspended particulates
are small particles of
solid and liquid matter
found in most fuel
emissions but are
found in significantly
higher quantities in
diesel emissions.
small particles can
penetrate lungs and
cause respiratory
infections
toxic particles can be
taken into the blood
stream
effects vary with the
type of particulates
decreased visibility
aesthetic damage to
buildings