What are the harmful gases emitted by automobiles?
2 Answers
Automobile exhaust contains carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide, lead, carbon particles, and other impurities and dust. These substances are extremely harmful to humans and the entire ecological environment, with carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides being the primary harmful emissions. The hazards of automobile exhaust are described as follows: 1. Impact on human health: While consuming vast amounts of resources, automobiles emit exhaust that severely affects human health. Carbon monoxide in automobile exhaust binds with hemoglobin in the blood 250 times faster than oxygen. Therefore, even inhaling trace amounts of carbon monoxide can cause terrifying hypoxic damage. Mild cases may result in dizziness and headaches, while severe cases can lead to permanent damage to brain cells. Nitrogen oxides and hydroxides can cause irritation reactions in susceptible individuals, leading to eye diseases and laryngitis. The benzopyrene in nitrogen-hydrogen compounds is a carcinogen, a highly dispersed particle that can remain suspended in the air for several days and nights. Once inhaled, it cannot be expelled from the body, and accumulation to a critical concentration can trigger the formation of malignant tumors. 2. Environmental impact: In addition to being one of the primary sources of PM2.5 in large cities, motor vehicle exhaust is also one of the main culprits of air pollution in many cities, with photochemical smog being one of its major effects. Photochemical smog refers to the formation of secondary pollutants such as ozone, aldehydes, ketones, and PAN from hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere under sunlight. Its impact on human health is far greater than that of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
What are the main harmful gases emitted by cars? I think this topic is quite important because it affects the air environment we live in. Carbon monoxide is one of them. When cars are running, they emit this gas, which makes the air quality worse and can cause dizziness if inhaled excessively. Hydrocarbons are also common, such as those released when gasoline is not fully burned, and they can form smog pollution. Nitrogen oxides are another concern, produced during high-temperature combustion, which can easily lead to acid rain. Additionally, particulate matter floats like dust and can cause coughing if inhaled. Lastly, there's sulfur dioxide. Although sulfur levels in gasoline have been reduced, diesel vehicles may still emit some. These harmful gases not only make cities hazy but also accelerate climate change. Personally, I always pay attention to vehicle maintenance, regularly checking if the catalytic converter can filter them out and using higher-quality fuel to reduce emissions. Environmental departments often promote reducing car trips, such as biking or carpooling more, which can genuinely help purify the air.
