What are the three main harmful gases in automobile exhaust?
3 Answers
Automobile exhaust emissions contain three harmful gases: SO2, CO, and NO2. Additional information is as follows: 1. Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood 250 times faster than oxygen. It enters the bloodstream through the respiratory system, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which impairs the blood's ability to deliver oxygen to tissues, harms the central nervous system, and causes functional disorders in sensation, reaction, comprehension, and memory. Severe cases can endanger the circulatory system, posing life-threatening risks. 2. Nitrogen Oxides: Nitrogen oxides mainly refer to nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, both of which are harmful to human health, particularly the respiratory system. Exposure to air with nitrogen dioxide concentrations of 9.4 mg/m³ for just 10 minutes can disrupt respiratory function. 3. Hydrocarbons: The direct health effects of hydrocarbons on humans are not yet fully understood. However, when nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react under solar ultraviolet radiation, they form an irritating, light blue smog containing ozone, aldehydes, nitrates, and other complex compounds. The most notable harm of this photochemical smog is its irritation to the eyes and upper respiratory tract mucosa, causing eye redness, swelling, and laryngitis.
I've been driving for many years and often research exhaust emissions. There are mainly three types of harmful gases: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). CO is a product of incomplete combustion, colorless and odorless but deadly, easily causing dizziness or poisoning, especially in enclosed spaces like garages; NOx can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, exacerbating issues like asthma; HC consists of unburned fuel vapors, forming smog that pollutes the atmosphere. These not only contribute to urban haze but also affect global climate change. To reduce them, I regularly check the vehicle's catalytic converter and air filter to ensure the engine runs efficiently. Choosing high-efficiency fuel or electric vehicles can also significantly reduce emissions. Maintaining your car well not only saves money but also improves air quality and protects health.
As an environmental volunteer, I have witnessed firsthand how exhaust pollution affects communities. The three main harmful gases are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. CO dirties urban air and triggers cardiovascular diseases; NOx damages the ozone layer and irritates lungs; HC causes photochemical smog, such as Los Angeles-type haze. Beyond government regulations on emission standards, we should walk or bike more instead of driving in daily life, and upgrade our cars with low-emission technologies. Through my participation in cleanup campaigns, I've found these gases also intensify the greenhouse effect, but the good news is that new engines are reducing the harm. The path to environmental protection starts with me, and safeguarding the Earth depends on everyone.
