What are the components of automobile exhaust?
2 Answers
Automobile exhaust contains harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and lead compounds. Cars are also a significant source of lead pollution. When there are fewer vehicles, the atmosphere's self-purification capability can still neutralize the toxins emitted by vehicles. However, with the current situation of excessive vehicles and frequent traffic congestion, the convenience, comfort, and efficiency that cars should provide are gradually being offset by the sheer number of vehicles. The gas emissions not only have a peculiar odor but also cause dizziness, nausea, and affect people's health. A research report published by the British Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection stated that people affected by automobile exhaust pollution are 10 times more than those affected by general air pollution.
I've always been concerned about the environmental impact of cars. As a long-time driver and environmental enthusiast, I must point out that vehicle exhaust primarily contains carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and fine particulate matter. CO2 is the most abundant component, exacerbating global warming. CO is odorless but highly toxic and can be fatal in enclosed spaces. NOx contributes to smog and acid rain, harming vegetation. HC has a pungent odor and serves as an ozone precursor. Particulate matter includes PM2.5, which easily enters lungs and causes health issues. These emissions result from incomplete combustion of gasoline or diesel fuel, caused by high temperatures and uneven air-fuel mixture. Although modern vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters that transform some harmful substances, they remain significant pollution sources overall. I recommend walking or cycling more often to reduce driving frequency, which can significantly decrease exhaust emissions. In daily life, vehicle exhaust accounts for about one-third of urban air pollution – a serious issue that demands our attention.
