Even the most efficient car wouldn''t work in an ideal way in which
its engine would produce only energy, carbon dioxide,
and water.
Because the fact is, cars often produce a toxic cloud of carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful pollutants, which foul the
air and pose a very real danger to public health. When exposed to auto
exhaust, healthy people can suffer from lowered immunity, impaired
cognitive function, and difficulty
breathing. Infants, the elderly, and
those with heart and lung ailments are particularly vulnerable.Carbon
monoxide
poisoning is debilitating and potentially fatal. Smokers,
those with anemia, and patients with congestive heart failure are at
risk. Nitrogen oxides give smog its brownish hue. They can irritate the
eyes and lungs; lower immunity to such respiratory ills as colds and
bronchitis; and worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. Ground-level ozone
(not that of the upper atmosphere''s ozone layer), a major component of
smog, is produced in abundance on hot, sunny days. It can make
breathing difficult, irritate the respiratory tract, and produce
coughing and chest pain. There are also microscopic particles (a
fraction of the width of a human hair) that can penetrate the lungs and
build up over time, causing lung infections, asthma, and chronic lung
disease.Here''s how to guard against the dangers of these gases from automobile exhaust:- Have your car''s exhaust system regularly inspected for leaks by a reliable mechanic.-
Never let the car''s engine run in a closed garage. Before starting your
car in an attached garage, shut the door to the house.- Even when outside, open a window when sitting in a parked car with the engine running.- When driving in traffic, crack open your car windows even if you''re running the air conditioner.- When starting your car after a snowstorm, make sure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow.-
Become familiar with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. They
include dizziness, severe headache, fatigue, agitation, stupor, pale
skin, and coma.- If severe poisoning occurs, get the victim into
fresh air immediately. Call 911 (or have someone else call) to ask for
emergency medical help. If the person has no pulse and is not
breathing, perform CPR (but only if you are properly trained). If the
person does have a pulse but is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation.Many major cities in the United States and Canada
continue to be inundated by noxious clouds of smog. The problem, in a
nutshell, is too many cars. To complicate matters, light trucks,
minivans, and sport utility vehicles have grown in popularity. These
vehicles are allowed higher emissions because they are designed to
carry heavier loads. Nonautomotive vehicles, such as lawn mowers and
motorboats, also generate city smog. Research shows that mowing your
lawn for an hour with a gas-powered mower creates as much pollution as
driving 50 miles (80 kilometers) in your car.