Cars, Trucks, & Air Pollution

Transportation is the largest single source of air pollution in the United States. It causes
over half of the carbon monoxide, over a third of the nitrogen oxides, and almost a
quarter of the hydrocarbons in our atmosphere in 2006. With the number of vehicles on
the road and the number of vehicle miles traveled escalating rapidly, we are on the fast
lane to smoggy skies and dirty air.
The Ingredients of Air Pollution
Air pollution is associated with the full life-cycle of cars and trucks. This includes air
pollution emitted during vehicle operation, refueling, manufacturing, and disposal.
Additional emissions are associated with the refining and distribution of vehicle fuel.
Motor vehicles cause both primary and secondary pollution. Primary pollution is emitted
directly into the atmosphere; secondary pollution results from chemical reactions
between pollutants in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases. Motor vehicles also emit pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, that
contribute to global climate change. The transportation sector currently accounts for over
a quarter of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Air Pollution from Cars

Air pollution caused by cars is one of the more challenging forces that air pollution
environmentalists are dealing with. Short of mandating restrictions on driving, it seems
that the chronic encouragement for commuters and travelers to find alternative forms of
transportation lands on deaf ears. Air pollution from cars is still one of the greatest
contributors to the problem.
The air pollution from cars is caused, in significant part, by fuel emissions. This is a very
familiar term although few of us can tell out friends and neighbors what it means. A fuel
emission is a particle of the same fuel that you put into your car when you hit the petrol
station.
This fuel particle has gone through the combustion process without burning in its
entirety. Releasing this particle into the air contributes to the air pollution caused by cars.
These fuel emissions are known as hydrocarbons, which have a molecular makeup that
entices them to react with sunlight and nitrous oxides. When this reaction happens, the
molecule actually alters to form what is known as ground level smog. Ground level smog

contributes to the air pollution caused by cars that irritate respiratory symptoms, cause
cancers, and creates eye irritation.
Nitrous oxides contribute to more air pollution from cars. The nitrogen and the oxygen
atoms that are found within the fuel is compounded by the high temperatures that
engines run, causing a smashing of atoms that turn the individual atoms into what we
know as nitrous oxides. This is one serious cause of acid rain and other air pollution
problems.
Over the years, car manufacturers have reduced the number of nitrous oxide atoms are
released, but cars that are equipped with catalytic converters are responsible for more
than half of the air pollution caused nitrous oxide released from cars. These are the
same gases that cause just under 8% of global warming.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is something that most of us have heard of, and we even
protect ourselves inside our own homes from the deadly, poisonous, odorless gas. Yet
the family car contributes to 2/3 of the worlds carbon monoxide gases in the
atmosphere.
Carbon cells smash with oxygen cells to become carbon dioxide when cars are not well
tuned, when the air to fuel ratio when turning the ignition is simply low, and in higher
altitudes. Oxygen is a necessary component of combustion, which is needed for
gasoline and diesel to power our vehicles. In many urban areas, the carbon monoxide
air pollution from cars can reach over 90%.
Carbon dioxide is released during gas combustion, which is one of the continuing factors
in the fight against global warming. Carbon dioxide is a trapping gas, which means that it
lingers in the upper atmosphere and traps the planets heat. This naturally leads to more
problems with the planets health.
Air pollution caused by cars is a serious problem, and there are many plans that may or
may not come to fruition over the next few years. Hybrid cars a fantastic contributor to
the reduction of combustion fuel gases that linger in the atmosphere, but their higher
price and their lack of perceived power reduces interest from the consumer. The bicycle
is the best alternative of all, but there are few who are willing to deal with variances in
weather and temperature to bike to work and the inconvenience of riding a bike to the
store presents more consumer resistance.
There are not many easy answers that have been produced in light of the information
that the one billion cars that are driven in the United States are rapidly producing a

worldwide phenomenon of air pollution from cars. With air pollution on the rise, there is
an increased need for air pollution control equipment to be used.

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the major pollutants in the atmosphere. Major sources of
CO2 are fossil fuels burning and deforestation. "The concentrations of CO2 in the air
around 1860 before the effects of industrialization were felt, is assumed to have been
about 290 parts per million (ppm). In the hundred years and more since then, the
concentration has increased by about 30 to 35 ppm that is by 10 percent". (Breuer 67)
Industrial countries account for 65% of CO2 emissions with the United States and Soviet
Union responsible for 50%. Less developed countries (LDCs), with 80% of the world's
people, are responsible for 35% of CO2 emissions but may contribute 50% by 2020.
"Carbon dioxide emissions are increasing by 4% a year". (Miller 450)
In 1975, 18 thousand million tons of carbon dioxide (equivalent to 5 thousand million
tons of carbon) were released into the atmosphere, but the atmosphere showed an
increase of only 8 billion tons (equivalent to 2.2 billion tons of carbon". (Breuer 70) The
ocean waters contain about sixty times more CO2 than the atmosphere. If the
equilibrium is disturbed by externally increasing the concentration of CO2 in the air, then
the oceans would absorb more and more CO2. If the oceans can no longer keep pace,
then more CO2 will remain into the atmosphere. As water warms, its ability to absorb
CO2 is reduced.
CO2 is a good transmitter of sunlight, but partially restricts infrared radiation going back
from the earth into space. This produces the so-called greenhouse effect that prevents a
drastic cooling of the Earth during the night. Increasing the amount of CO2 in the
atmosphere reinforces this effect and is expected to result in a warming of the Earth's
surface. Currently carbon dioxide is responsible for 57% of the global warming trend.
Nitrogen oxides contribute most of the atmospheric contaminants.

Air Pollution Articles and Truth

There are many air pollution articles that can help everyone understand the dire
situation that we are really in. There are pollution articles that speculate about possible
solutions and potential difficulties with finding these solutions.
However, many air pollution articles miss the mark when it comes to speaking the truth.
Air is not solely located over the country of questions.

Australia, the United States, and China are some of the biggest culprits when it comes
to sending out pollutants into the air. This air does not stay stagnant over the country of
the pollutants.
Air travels, and in fact it travels all over the world. This doesnt mean that those in New
Zealand should await the passing cloud of smog to pass over their mountains. It means
that when we damage our own atmosphere we damage the worlds atmosphere.
There are many different causes and potential solutions when it comes to air pollution,
and many air pollution articles address one specific aspect of the issue.
Thus, in order to be well informed, one must read multiple articles on many different
angles of the problem. Some people solely blame the governments of many of these
countries for not implementing better regulations.
Other people blame society for procreating too quickly without taking in consideration for
the potential effects on our natural resources and the need for increased resources.
Other still blame the average citizen for being lazy, uninformed, or even complacent
about the issue.
The air pollution problem is the result of many different factors and the solution lies in
addressing every single aspect and devising realistic solutions for each aspect.
Our daily lives have become oriented to the many aspects that help cause air pollution.
Congested traffic areas are noticeably polluted, especially to those who suffer from
COPD or asthma.
Do we mandate that cars and trucks can only be driven during certain hours of the day,
or so many days per week? Of course not. People have to show up to work on time and
on a regular basis in order to keep our economy afloat.
Critics believe that no matter how many condemning air pollution articles we write or
how many lobbyists we place in Washington, air pollution will not become number one
on the agenda until residents can not go outside without feeling the effects. We already
have ozone alerts for the ill, it isnt a stretch to believe that we will soon have air
pollution alerts that include the safety factors of going outside.
This might actually cause the issue of air pollution to be addressed in a reasonable and
timely manner. While air pollution articles are aimed at enlightening and motivating, the
future of our breathable air is very much at risk. We need some swift action now in order
to prevent making our children play inside on a beautiful sunny day because they wont
be able to breath well if they go outside.
We need to act before we have to start sending newborns home in protective bubbles
and keeping them inside for the first eighteen months of their lives. These potentials

exist if we dont start doing more than writing about the problems with the air that we
breathe.
If we dont start taking the hard line on this issue, our world will become an indoor world
and those of us who want to play outside will have to invest in protective air sources.

How does air pollution affect us?

Exposure to low levels of pollutants such as ozone, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and
particulates, irritates eyes and causes inflammation of the respiratory tract. Evidence
exists that many air pollutants also suppress the immune system, increasing
susceptibility to infection. In addition, evidence continues to accumulate indicating that
exposure to air pollution during respiratory illnesses may result in people developing
chronic respiratory diseases, such as emphysema and bronchitis as they get older.
Other health problems that can result from long-term exposure to toxic air-pollutants are
cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory infections, and
cardiovascular disease.
Air pollution can also cause acidification of lakes and soils and impacts on crop
productivity, forest growth, and biodiversity. Some research indicates that the ozone and
sulphur dioxide is reducing crop yields. The potential for crop losses in Asia has been
indicated by a study in Pakistan where a 40 per cent reduction in rice yields was linked
to the presence of pollutants in the air.

Air Pollution Solutions

Air pollution solutions pose quite an interesting debate among environmentalists and
entrepreneurs. The greatest causes of air pollution are the byproducts of progress. The
industrial impacts on air pollution are compound and multifaceted.
In order to completely stop the production of all manufactured materials, stop the use of
cars, air conditioners, heat sources, and basically deconstruct the basic staples of our
society. This is not exactly practical, so we have to look at other air pollution solutions
that can put a serious dent on our current situation.
Governmental plans to help cut down on air pollution are slow to take effect. Many
industrial businesses have (under the current legislation) the next 50 years to cut down
on their emissions by 80%. A lot of damage can be done in 50 years. Yet the immediate
changes would be a very high financial burden on most companies and simply can not
be completed without the introduction of environmentally friendly alternatives. These
alternatives are well known but are not widely available.
Fuels derived from alternative resources could cut down on our pollution statistics and
become a cornerstone of air pollution solutions. Wind energy, landfill gas energy, and

other green methods of powering many of our industrial businesses are a good start, but
the practical application is still years away at our current rate of progress.
We cannot force people to buy new cars. However, several documentaries have shown
that it was the United States car companies and the oil companies that shot down the
production and use of cars that run solely on electricity. The production of electric cars
that were highly effective and family friendly was underway.
In fact, several cities in California were starting the strategic implementation of charging
stations when the project was interrupted. The project was then scrapped and the
remaining cars were either shipped overseas for use or destroyed. A society that doesnt
use oil or petrol for their daily commute is a society that is no longer dependant on the
oil resources of other countries. Interesting.
Cars are not just a major contributor to the air pollution problems and are a major oil
dependency culprit in the US. Why the destruction of the electric car was kept so secret
is really not a mystery. How far we could have come with the acceptance of this one
invention. For more information on this topic, one should watch the well documented
and the very accurate documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car?
Public education only goes so far when the government does not help the educated
follow through on ecological choices. While our basic economy requires a standard of
status quo for the development of our own resources, we still need to look harder at air
pollution solutions that address our problems now rather than in 50 years.
Recycling communities need to become more aware of what happens to their
recyclables. Many cities, including Norfolk, VA and the three major cities of California,
burn the recyclables rather than recycling in the usual fashion. Those cities that
participate fully in recycling efforts are still releasing gases into the atmosphere that are
destroying the ozone.
The everyday people of many communities are coming together to improve our options
for air pollution solutions. Hybrid cars, choosing fabric grocery bags over plastics or
paper, and finding ways to reuse and recycle ones own products are helping too cut
down on the overload of air pollutants we are experience.
Placing ecological concerns higher on the list of priorities at the polls will help as well.
Right now we have sent a very strong message to Washington that the economy and
war are our top priorities.
Green jobs have the ability to offer more economic stability while addressing some of the
air pollution solutions that are available to us.
We cannot ignore the effects of deforestation and our need to get out into the world and
plant trees. While individuals can take on tree planting projects of their own, which is
very helpful, companies that destroy trees need to be forced to replace what they

destroy. It wont do us much good to start limiting the pollutants that enter the air while
we continue to deplete the world of it main source of breathable oxygen.
Moreover, alternative heating and cooling methods, the replacement of old furnaces and
air conditioners, and finding ways around driving to the corner store are all imperative to
finding air pollution solutions.
Its going to take the government and the individuals working together with the plan of
immediate results as the primary goal. By now the industrial companies should see the
writing on the wall and should be taking the initiative to start curbing their own emissions
before the government starts a crackdown on emissions.
Most industrial companies only do what they are forced to do by regulation. Its a rather
sad state of affairs that is forcing the solution into the hands of a government over
loaded by too many issues to deal with. We need to only build green cars, green
companies, and green industries in order to start dealing realistically with the potential
air pollution solutions.

Reducing Air Pollution

Is reducing air pollution without government intervention even a possibility in the
United States? Most people associate air pollution problems with large industries and
not with their personal activities or lifestyle.
However, the pollution that each household releases into the air is significant enough
that if each home reduced their air pollution contribution be even 50% there would be a
high impact on the health of the atmosphere. Reducing air pollution is a personal
responsibility rather than just a governmental project.
It should be said that government policies regarding large industries still require even
more regulation if we want to save the planet. However, it is not the sole responsibility of
the government to take care of reducing air pollution. Anyone and everyone can act
responsibly. Sometimes, it is just a function of letting the public know how their activities
impact the environment.
While most of us realize that cars, industry, and even power boating has an impact of
the quality and condition of the air, few of us consider that most of our air pollution
contribution is based in our consumerism. Any given product has to undergo a process
of consumerism.
It is first manufactured, packed, and then shipped to the appropriate destination.
Following its time on the shelves of a store it is then purchased, driven home, and used.
Its last contribution comes in the form of its waste. This profile is then multiplied the
number of products available times the number of people who buy and use them.

Sometimes just doing simple things can help toward reducing air pollution, we already
know that particulate air pollution is a direct cause of air pollution, each day millions of
people worldwide suffer health conditions caused by not reducing air pollution.
If consumers were apt to pick up locally produced goods, buy alternative products, and
stray from products which require a great deal of processing as a waste product we
could all have a significant impact on the air pollution issues surrounding products.
Some companies have recognized the value in creating smaller, more concentrated
materials so that the production and waste pollution can be reduced.
For instance, a cleaning product that comes in a 2 ounce tube but offers the full sized
cleaning bottle can reduce air pollution once the consumer gets in the habit of filling a
reusable bottle instead of buying a brand new one every two months. The reduction on
waste, which releases toxins into the air even upon recycling, can really add up. If all
consumers headed in this direction the effects would be accumulative and powerful.
If everyone chose all of their products based on the idea of reducing waste, including
recyclables not only would manufacturers respond but we would find we experienced
the added benefits of saving money as concentrated products often last longer than
regular products.
Reducing air pollution isnt an overnight fix. The road to the current level of damage to
the atmosphere has been a long one and it will take some time to change the buying
habits, the production habits, and even the driving habits of an entire country.
Until such time comes it is important to remember that every effort toward reducing air
pollution is a valuable and much needed effort. In order to start curbing the air pollution
problems of today we need everyone to participate. Choosing to participate now rather
than later can only be beneficial.

What can we do?

Encourage people to leave their car at home and walk or ride a bicycle to travel short
distances.
Develop efficient public transport systems to help reduce dependence on private cars.
Provide Government subsidies to encourage the introduction of petrol with low sulphur
and no lead.
Focus on regional inter-Governmental cooperation. Pollutants can be carried from one
country to another, so individual countries cannot solve the associated problems alone.
Currently, regional/sub-regional agreements on air pollution either do not exist or are at
initial stages.

Promote energy efficiency and conservation. Energy efficiency means using technology
to accomplish tasks with less energy. Energy conservation focuses on cutting down on
wasteful energy consuming activities. These approaches are not only cost effective
ways of reducing harmful emissions from industries and vehicles, but they also give us
time to search for safer and cheaper alternative energy sources.
Use smaller, more efficient cars as they consume less fuel and so produce fewer
emissions.
Design cars so that combustion temperatures are lower and less nitrogen oxide is
formed.
Use lighter materials and better designed cars. Currently available technology already
makes it possible for cars to have fuel efficiencies of 60-65 miles per gallon.
Find better alternative fuels, as petroleum reserves will not last for ever. Alcohol, solar
power, electricity and liquid hydrogen are some of the options that car manufacturers
have investigated in the search for alternative fuels. Although cars that can use these
fuels have already been designed or are currently being worked on, the cost and
accessibility of fuel remains a problem. All alternative fuels will not necessary be
environmentally friendly. For instance, if the electricity for electricity-powered cars is
produced by coal-fired power plants, the eventual volume of emissions will be higher
than for conventionally fuelled cars.
Fit smoke-stacks with electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, scrubbers, or other
technologies to remove particulate matter.
Use careful land-excavating methods to control particulates. For example, water can be
sprinkled on dry soil that is being moved during road construction.
Remove sulphur dioxide from fuel by switching to a low-sulphur fuel such as natural gas
or even to a non-fossil source such as solar energy.
Modify furnaces and engines to provide more complete combustion. This helps control
the production of both carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
What Can I do? Drive Less Both local and global pollution would be reduced if each
car-driving person pledged to use their car 30% less starting immediately. This is a
responsible, individual contribution to a global problem. At least 30% of vehicle use is
optional - either recreational or lazy driving when walking, cycling or public transit would
be a better choice.
Cities can reduce vehicular traffic by more than 30% over the next 3 to 5 years by
improving public transportation. Commuter trains are a model of urban access for
suburban residents who drive their cars short distances, park in terminal lots and ride
the train into town. Cities can create car free zones and develop park-like corridors that
would allow movement through the city by walking, cycling and limited use of small, light
electric vehicles in vehicle corridors specially designed to be safe and efficient.
The rising cost of crude oil in 2008 quickly altered driving habits and big auto companies
closed plants that produced SUVs and pickup trucks. If you are interested in longer term
human survival, then high cost oil is a real benefit. With or without higher fuel prices,
each person can drive less and resist the temptation to buy larger, heavier cars, trucks

and sports vehicles. If you really need a 4x4 to drive off-roads in wilderness settings, you
need a rugged clunker that's already got scratches, dents and mud on the tires. Carry a
shovel, axe, chain saw, and a come-along in the back. If you can afford it, add a heavy
duty winch up front. Stay off city streets and highways. See Disease Effects, Car
Exhaust

Solutions: Reduce Air Pollution by changing the design and use of motor vehicles
The use of cars must be re-defined. Car use has to be considered a privilege, not a
right. The cost of environmental damage and reclamation has to be added to the cost of
owning and operating a car. Vehicle use should no longer be subsidized.
Reduce number of Vehicles - Urban areas need to set vehicular quotas and issue
permits to limit the number of vehicles to control regional traffic congestion and air
pollution.
Small hybrid or 100% electric cars are desirable, but make their occupants specially
vulnerable when they collide with much larger vehicles. A sane city would separate
small, efficient passenger vehicles from buses and trucks.
Improve efficiency of vehicles - reverse the trend to larger vehicles; engineering
solutions to emissions of combustion engines. Flex fuel and hybrid cars are a step in the
right direction but in small numbers will not have a significant impact on air pollution.
Reduced vehicle use and traffic reform can be a bigger and more immediate remedy for
urban air pollution. Improved efficiency of traffic is important. Examples are: dedicated
bus lanes and priority for car-pools and vehicles with 3 or more passengers. Traffic can
be scheduled to optimize road usage; e.g. commercial traffic at night; large companies
can stagger working hours and decentralize administrative operations. Commuting long
distances in cars to work needs to be phased out. Single passenger commuting to work
should be strongly discouraged.

Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the
vehicle.[1] The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which
combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.
Hybrid electric-petroleum vehicles
When the term hybrid vehicle is used, it most often refers to a Hybrid electric vehicle.
These encompass such vehicles as the AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet
Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, and the Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid,
Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid
Lexus RX 400h and 450h and others. A petroleum-electric hybrid most commonly uses
internal combustion engines (generally gasoline or Diesel engines, powered by a variety
of fuels) and electric batteries to power electric motors. There are many types of
petroleum-electric hybrid drivetrains, from Full hybrid to Mild hybrid, which offer varying
advantages and disadvantages.[19]
Ferdinand Porsche in 1900 developed the first gasoline-electric series-hybrid automobile
in the world, setting speed records using two motor-in-wheel-hub arrangements with a
combustion generator set providing the electric power. While liquid fuel/electric hybrids
date back to the late 19th century, the braking regenerative hybrid was invented by
David Arthurs, an electrical engineer from Springdale, Arkansas in 197879. His homeconverted Opel GT was reported to return as much as 75MPG with plans still sold to this
original design, and the "Mother Earth News" modified version on their website. [20]
The plug-in-electric-vehicle (PEV) is becoming more and more common. It has the
range needed in locations where there are wide gaps with no services. The batteries can

be plugged in to house (mains) electricity for charging, as well being charged while the
engine is running.
Hybrid vehicle emissions
Hybrid vehicle emissions today are getting close to or even lower than the
recommended level set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The
recommended levels they suggest for a typical passenger vehicle should be equated to
5.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The three most popular hybrid vehicles, Honda Civic,
Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, set the standards even higher by producing 4.1, 3.5,
and 3.5 tons showing a major improvement in carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrid vehicles
can reduce air emissions of smog-forming pollutants by up to 90% and cut carbon
dioxide emissions in half.[31]

Electric car
Electric cars have the potential of significantly reducing city pollution by having zero tail
pipe emissions.[1][2][3] Vehicle greenhouse gas savings depend on how the electricity is
generated. With the current U.S. energy mix, using an electric car would result in a 30%
reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.[4][5][6][7] Given the current energy mixes in other
countries, it has been predicted that such emissions would decrease by 40% in the UK, [8]
19% in China,[9] and as little as 1% in Germany.[10][11]
Electric cars are expected to have a major impact in the auto industry [12][13] given
advantages in city pollution, less dependence on oil, and expected rise in gasoline
prices.[14][15][16] World governments are pledging billions to fund development of electric
vehicles and their components. The U.S. has pledged US$2.4 billion in federal grants for
electric cars and batteries.[17] China has announced it will provide US$15 billion to initiate
an electric car industry.
Price
Electric cars are generally more expensive than gasoline cars. The primary reason is the
high cost of car batteries. US and British car buyers seem to be unwilling to pay more for
an electric car.[35][36] This prohibits the mass transition from gasoline cars to electric cars.
A survey taken by Nielsen for the Financial Times has shown that 65 percent of
Americans and 76 percent of Britons are not willing pay more for an electric car above
the price of a gasoline car.[37] also a report by J.D. Power and Associates claims that
about 50 percent of U.S. car buyers are not even willing to spent more than US$5,000

on a green vehicle above the price of a petrol car despite their concern about the
environment.[38]
The Nissan LEAF, will be the most affordable five door family electric car at a price of
US$32,780 going down to US$25,280 after the U.S. federal tax rebate of US$7,500,
going further down to US$20,280 after the US$5,000 California tax rebate.
Electricity vs. Fuel
"Fuel" cost comparison: the Tesla Roadster sport car's plug-to-wheel energy use is
280 Wh/mi. In Northern California, the local electric utility company PG&E says that
"The E-9 rate is mandatory for those customers that are currently on a residential
electric rate and who plan on refueling an EV on their premises." [47] Combining these two
facts implies that driving a Tesla Roadster 40 miles (64 km) a day would use 11.2 kWh
of electricity costing between US$0.56 and US$3.18 depending on the time of day
chosen for recharging.[47] For comparison, driving an internal combustion enginepowered car the same 40 miles (64 km), at a mileage of 25 miles per US gallon
(9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg-imp), would use 1.6 US gallons (6.1 l; 1.3 imp gal) of fuel and, at a
cost of US$3 per 1 US gallon (3.8 l; 0.83 imp gal), would cost US$4.80.
The Tesla Roadster uses about 17.4 kWh/100 km (0.63 MJ/km; 0.280 kWh/mi),[48] the
EV1 used about 11 kWh/100 km (0.40 MJ/km; 0.18 kWh/mi).[49]