What are the origins and environmental implications of pollutants in car exhausts gases?

1. By Kate Hughes and Jess Hawke What are the origins and environmental implications of pollutants in car exhausts gases?

2. Un-burnt Hydrocarbons • Cars cannot always fully combust the hydrocarbons, leaving un-burnt hydrocarbons in the exhaust. Health effects • Some Hydrocarbons are called Carcinogenic, this classes them as solvents and as a result, prolonged exposure can cause cancer Social effects (environmental) • These Hydrocarbons are components of Photochemical smog. This produces a brown haze and can contribute to respiratory problems. Another property of the hydrocarbons is their flammability of the vapour, resulting in an increased danger of Fires igniting. CHEMICAL ORIGIN • Carbon and hydrogen (CH) CHEMICAL EQUATION • Fuel + Air  CxHy

3. Carbon Monoxide • Carbon monoxide is formed in the exhaust from un-combusted reactants. Health Issues • Low to moderate exposure can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. Higher exposure can lead to comas and death (less likely to be caused by exhaust fumes). Social/environmental effects • Although it’s not a greenhouse gas, it can increase the concentration levels of methane and ozone, thus contributing to global warming. Chemical Origins • Carbon and Oxygen (CO) Chemical Equation • Fuel + Air  CO

4. Particulates • Particulates are spheres of liquids suspended in a liquid or gas and are commonly found in car exhaust fumes. Are small carbon particles which are not visible to the naked eye. Health Implications • Strongly affects respiratory system, for example irritation to the lungs. Especially in young children and the elderly. Environmental problems • (Rarely cause environmental issues) Chemical Origins • Carbon particles (C) Chemical Equation • Fuel + Air  particulates

5. Carbon Dioxide • Carbon Dioxide is a chemical compound found in high quantities in Motor Car exhaust fumes. Is formed by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Health Problems • Most common issue caused is Asphyxiation and other respiratory problems. Social effects (environmental) • Vastly contributes to global warming due to it trapping the earth’s heat in the ozone layer. Chemical Origin • Carbon and Oxygen (CO2) Chemical Equation • Fuel + Air  CO2

6. Nitrogen Oxides (Nox) • Nitrogen oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and is always found in exhausts. Health Problems • Due to acidity, health problems can occur for asthmatics. Environmental issues • Are very acidic, thus contributing to acid rain in the atmosphere, therefore corrode limestone buildings and damages forests and lakes Chemical origin • Nitrogen and Oxygen (NOx) Chemical Equation • Fuel + AirNOx

7. Sulfur Dioxide • Has very similar properties to nitrogen oxides Health Issues • Contributes to respiratory problems particularly for asthmatics. Environmental Implications • Increases production of acid rain Chemical Origin • Sulfur and oxygen (SO2) Chemical Equation • Fuel + air SO2

8. Conclusion • Fuel + Air  Hydrocarbons + Nitrogen Oxides + Carbon Dioxide + Carbon Monoxide + water • In conclusion, in the exhaust fumes, pollutants are produced, all having their own implications; most commonly upon the environment involving contribution towards Global Warming. However, there are also effects upon individuals such inhabitants of earth suffering with asthma.