What Are the Hazards of Inhaling Vehicle Exhaust?
3 Answers
Inhaling vehicle exhaust can adversely affect health. Prolonged exposure may lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's. Below is a detailed introduction to the components of vehicle exhaust and their hazards: 1. Solid Suspended Particles: These particles enter the lungs through respiration, potentially causing respiratory diseases. When accumulated to a critical concentration, they may foster malignant tumors. Additionally, suspended particles can directly contact the skin and eyes, clogging hair follicles and sweat glands, leading to dermatitis and conjunctivitis, or even corneal damage. 2. Carbon Monoxide: When inhaled into the bloodstream, carbon monoxide quickly binds with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, impairing the blood's ability to deliver oxygen to tissues and harming the central nervous system. This can result in sensory, reaction, comprehension, and memory impairments, and even threaten the circulatory system, posing life-threatening risks. Even minimal exposure can cause hypoxic damage. 3. Nitrogen Oxides: Primarily nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, these are harmful gases. Exposure to air with 9.4 mg/m³ nitrogen dioxide for just 10 minutes can disrupt respiratory function. 4. Hydrocarbons: Direct hazards are not fully understood. However, under solar ultraviolet radiation, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react to form photochemical smog, containing ozone, aldehydes, nitrates, and other compounds. This smog notably irritates the eyes and upper respiratory tract, causing redness, swelling, and pharyngitis. 5. Lead: A toxic heavy metal, lead is added to gasoline as an anti-knock agent (tetraethyllead or methyllead). Post-combustion, lead and its compounds become toxic. Excessive lead in the body can cause cardiovascular diseases and impair the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Due to its weight, lead particles accumulate at about 1 meter above ground, posing the greatest risk to children.
Inhaling vehicle exhaust is quite annoying. When I stand by the roadside waiting for the bus, I often smell that pungent odor. Breathing it in makes me feel dizzy and lightheaded, and prolonged exposure leaves my lungs uncomfortable. Experts say it contains many harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, which displaces oxygen, causing hypoxia and headaches, and in severe cases, may even lead to unconsciousness. There are also nitrogen oxides that irritate the respiratory tract, triggering coughing and asthma, with the elderly and those with weaker constitutions being the most vulnerable. Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Living in the city, I have to wear a mask when air quality is poor. Additionally, exhaust contains fine particulate matter that penetrates the lungs, damaging cells and contributing to chronic diseases. Overall, it doesn't just affect individual health but also pollutes the air for entire communities. When going out, it's best to avoid peak hours and take green routes whenever possible.
From a health perspective, the hazards of inhaling vehicle exhaust are significant. I understand that these emissions contain harmful components. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to oxygen deprivation in the blood, causing fatigue and nausea. Nitrogen oxides can trigger lung inflammation and exacerbate asthma and bronchitis. Particulate matter like PM2.5 can penetrate the lungs, accumulating over time and potentially inducing cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Volatile organic compounds can irritate the eyes and nose, leading to allergies. Through daily observation, I've noticed that concentrations are highest during peak traffic congestion. It's advisable to use the car's recirculation mode to minimize inhalation and avoid opening windows in congested areas. In the long run, exposure can shorten lifespan. Urban residents should prioritize public transportation as a protective measure.
