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VEHICLE POLLUTION


Introduction

In urban areas – both developing and developed countries, it is predominately mobile or vehicular pollution that contributes to air quality problem. All motor vehicles release pollutants into the air, mostly through the exhaust fumes that come out of the tailpipe when the engine operates. Tailpipe emissions are products of burning fuel in the vehicle's engine, emitted from the vehicle's exhaust system. The worst thing about vehicular pollution is that it cannot be avoided as the vehicular emissions are emitted at the near-ground level where we breathe.

CAUSES OF VEHICULAR POLLUTION
• High vehicle density in Indian urban centers.
• Older vehicles predominant in vehicle vintage.
• Inadequate inspection and maintenance facilities.
• Predominance of two stroke two wheelers.
• Adulteration of fuel and fuel products.
• Improper traffic management system and road conditions.
• High levels of pollution at traffic intersections.
• Absence of effective mass rapid transport system & intra-city railway networks.
• High population exodus to the urban centers.

GENERATED POLLUTANTS

The major pollutants emitted include:
o Hydrocarbons: this class is made up of unburned or partially burned fuel, and is a major contributor to urban smog, as well as being toxic. They can cause liver damage and even cancer.
o Nitrogen oxides (NOx): These are generated when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen under the high temperature and pressure conditions inside the engine. NOx emissions contribute to both smog and acid rain.
o Carbon monoxide (CO): a product of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and is dangerous to people with heart disease.
o Carbon dioxide (CO2): Emissions of carbon dioxide are an increasing concern as its role...