SMOG THE SILENT KILLER

By Sherry Zwetsloot

The headline read, Smog is killing us, 3 million people die of air pollution each year worldwide.
- The World Health Organization

FACTS ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

The body produces approximately 2.3 pounds (1.0 kg) of carbon dioxide per day per person, containing 0.63 pounds (290 g) of carbon. (1) Why is Carbon monoxide (CO) dangerous in our air? As a major air pollutant in urban areas, CO is also a threat to outlying and surrounding rural areas. Internal combustion is not the only cause, but the improper burning of coal, propane, wood, natural gas and garbage are also culprits to this insidious poison. Why is CO dangerous to any living species? When carbon monoxide is combined with the blood of a living species, it prevents the absorption of oxygen into the blood stream and cells. It poisons the red blood cells preventing them from carrying oxygen throughout the body. Body tissue will eventually die without proper oxygen levels being provided. (2

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? When levels of CO have exceeded what is considered a safe level, one may experience headaches, nausea, short of breath, impaired motor functions and fatigue. Often, these same symptoms combined can be mistaken for the flu coining such poisoning as the silent killer. (3)

FACTS ABOUT HYDROCARBONS (HC)

Hydrocarbons are a primary energy source for current civilizations. The predominant use of hydrocarbons is as a combustible fuel source. In their solid form, hydrocarbons take the form of asphalt. (4)

Why is Hydrocarbons (HC) dangerous to our bodies? Prolonged exposure to HCs can result in symptoms like dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and reduced cardiovascular function. In extreme cases may even lead to arrhythmia, brain damage, comas, or death. Hydrocarbons -the threat to our air. When hydrocarbons combine with nitrogen oxides and sunlight, ozone is formed. Ozone is the key component of smog, which causes irritation and damage to our eyes, lungs and skin. It eliminates the mucous layers in our nose and throat, interfering with our bodys ability to fight infection. Some hydrocarbons are considered toxic and have been linked to cancer and death. (5)

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are compounds made during combustion

intensified at high temperatures. Why is NOx dangerous in our air? Nitrogen Oxide is an organic compound referred to as (VOCs) and when combined with sunlight produces smog more pronounced during the summer solstice. Prolonged exposure to smog can result in lung diseases such as asthma, lung tissue damage and a reduction of lung function or worse. (6) Why is NOx Dangerous to my body? Nitrogen Oxide reacts with ammonia, moisture and other compounds to form nitric acid vapour. This vapour penetrates deep into lung tissue, and may cause respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Such vapours may also be related to causing or intensifying heart disease.(7)(8)

Since the early 1960s, the concern of emissions and emission control has been a growing concern with the automakers and our government. The world has become one voice of concern with reducing the carbon footprint us humans have created for the planet. Through science and technology over the generations, we now have access to the most adaptable, customizable, scalable, durable and recyclable products emission control technology has ever made. It is now time to embrace and reform to these new steps in saving our planet.

An innovative breakthrough has been discovered. The company, GESi. (Global Emissions Systems Inc). GESi was developed using the science of chemistry to produce and advanced emission control system.

GESi has designed converters to use a reduction catalyst and an oxidation catalyst. The reduction catalyst reduces the nitrogen oxide emissions freeing the Oxygen compounds and holding onto the nitrogen atoms forming N2.

The second stage, the oxidization catalyst, reduces the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by burning them over a platinum and palladium catalyst. This helps the reaction of CO and hydrocarbons with the remaining oxygen in the exhaust gas. Companies like Global Emissions Systems Inc. is proactive in keeping up with the stringent environmental regulations. They are the leader in the automotive and industrial emissions abatement and provide assessments and affordable methods for achieving environmental compliance. It should be every companies concern and every persons concern to bring companies up to environmental regulations. The bottom line is it doesnt have to hurt your bottom line.
(1)"How much carbon dioxide do humans contribute through breathing?". Retrieved 2009-04-30 (2) http://www.analox.net/carbon-dioxide-dangers.php (3)http://poisoncontrol.uchc.edu/about_poisons/carbonmonoxide/articles/silentkiller_english.html (4)Dan Morgan, Lecture ENVIRO 100, University of Washington, 11/5/08 (5) World Coal, Coal and Electricity, http://www.worldcoal.org/coal/uses-of-coal/coal-electricity/, retrieved 07/03/2012 (6)http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/n/nitrogen_oxide.htm (7)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOx#Health_effects (8)"How nitrogen oxides affect the way we live and breathe". Environmental protection agency. Archived from the original on 2008-07-16. Retrieved 2008-12-10.