Toxic substances in car exhaust

Car exhaust contains a number of toxic chemicals, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde and soot; all of which can be harmful to human health.

Along with the growth in the number of cars, a contradiction that arises in the development of society is the problem of environmental pollution due to toxic emissions from car and motorbike engines into the air around us. This source of pollution becomes a major threat to human life, especially in cities with high density of motor vehicles, this danger is even greater.

Toxic substances in car exhaust

Most cars today require petrol/oil to power the engine, which then causes a number of mechanical and chemical reactions to occur and keep the car running. All of this happens under the hood (mainly the combustion of fuel), emitting gases and particles – commonly referred to as exhaust.

Exhaust gas is mainly a by-product from the combustion of certain fuels, such as oil, gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil... Automobile exhaust gas escapes from the vehicle and mixes with the environment.

Exhaust gas gets a bad rap for being harmful to both humans and the environment, due to the presence of some substances that are notoriously toxic. However, it should be noted that not all components of exhaust gas are harmful, as it also includes non-toxic substances, such as nitrogen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide (although it is a greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming).

Below are some toxic substances found in car exhaust and their effects on humans and the environment:

Carbon monoxide (CO)

It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. If people inhale too much of this gas, their ability to absorb oxygen will be reduced, causing serious tissue damage and possibly death. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death in gas poisoning cases with symptoms such as feeling lightheaded, headache, nausea, difficulty breathing and gradually falling into a coma.

Benzene (C6H6)

Benzene is a volatile organic compound that occurs naturally in crude oil, and is also found in gasoline and vehicle exhaust. It is dangerous because it destroys the blood. It prevents the bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells, while it also damages the immune system by not producing enough white blood cells.

In 2013, Health Canada warned about the dangers of benzene from car exhaust, if parked near or inside the home. It increases the risk of leukemia and other cancers.

Most drivers know not to leave their car running in the garage. However, they do not realize that even after the engine is turned off, the engine continues to release benzene vapors into the air, which settles in the garage. Additionally, paints and solvents that homeowners often leave in the garage also release benzene as they slowly evaporate.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

This colorless gas has a pungent odor and penetrates the respiratory tract including the nose and throat, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Over a long period of time, this gas can lead to asthma and other similar health conditions.

Carbon black

Soot is what gives car exhaust its black color. It has been linked to a number of health problems, including the flu, asthma, and even cancer.

Carbon black also has a negative impact on the environment, in fact, carbon black accounts for more than 25% of toxic pollution in the air.

With these toxic substances, exhaust fumes, whether emitted from a small car or a giant factory, cause serious damage to people and the environment. That is also the reason why the world is gradually limiting emissions as much as possible.

According to VNE