Air pollution is a serious issue this day and age. We’re still dealing with the aftermaths from all the pollution caused in the last century or so, and the road to recovery is slow and tedious, but we’ll get there eventually. Cars are still one of the top three air pollutants worldwide, accounting for a large percentage of all air pollutants. Here are 10 car pollution facts we should all learn from in order to move on and improve the world.
Although car pollution has decreased drastically in the last ten to twenty years, it’s still fairly significant in terms of pollution levels. The switch from leaded to unleaded gasoline has arguably made the biggest difference, but unleaded gasoline is by no means perfect.
Cars pollute the air in several, different ways. Out of three main forms of pollution, namely air, ground and water pollution, air pollution is by far and away the most dangerous one. Cars pollute all three forms, causing serious environmental issues and problems.
Over half of all carbon monoxide pollution in the air (around 51 percent) is caused by cars alone. Although not lethal directly in the outside world, CO can be fatal when concentrated in high doses. It also contributes greatly to smog pollution, which is another issue in and of itself.
As if that wasn’t enough, cars also contribute to around 34 percent of nitrogen oxide and all volatile organic compounds in the environment. In addition to increasing smog, both substances cause serious harm on the plant life as well as a human’s respiratory system.
The most lethal air polluter, carbon dioxide, is the biggest factor when discussing global warming. A staggering 31 percent of all CO2 in the atmosphere comes from cars alone. Although CO2 is necessary for green life sustainability, in extremely high and concentrated doses it does the exact opposite, causing a greenhouse effect. The plants can no longer effectively convert carbon dioxide into oxygen since there’s too much of it, and it has nowhere to go but up. The result, as we’re aware, is permanent damage to the ozone layer.
The particulates which originate from car exhausts contribute to the creation of more clouds, but weirdly, less rain. Less rain equals less wind. In a way, cars have a significant impact on the amount of wind power available as well.
The harmful exhaust gases aren’t the only thing cars can and do pollute the air, water and ground with. Brake dust, oil, dirt and gasoline, all play their role in pollution originating from cars. All of them can end up in the water that we drink and the air that we breathe via the runoff.
Maintaining your vehicle will greatly reduce the pollution you’re producing directly. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but conserve the planet as well. Remember, it’s up to you, as an individual, to change the world one step at a time.
Most people don’t realise it, but noise pollution is no laughing matter. Not only is it sometimes annoying and inconvenient, but large amount of noise pollution can cause various hearing problems.
Although most modern cars produce ten times less pollution than cars from just 20 years ago, a number of cars on the road today is overwhelming. In the end, we end up producing more pollution simply because there’s a lot more cars roaming the streets today then there were just a few decades ago, despite the fact that they’re much cleaner and more efficient.
So now you know the facts! Why not try walking when possible. We have become too reliant on our cars and that makes us lazy!
Walking is simple, free, and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.
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