List Of Harmful Gases Found In Exhaust Fumes
- Carbon monoxide
- Hydrocarbons (Benzene)
- Sulphur dioxide
- Soot (Not exactly a gas)
In this article, we will look at some of the undesirable and toxic components of exhaust fumes one at a time:
Carbon Monoxide
No discussion pertaining to car fumes and its dangers can be complete without mentioning this hazardous gas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas in itself, and is one of the chief culprits that make exhaust fumes hazardous to human health, as it binds to the hemoglobin in our blood, which results in suffocation.
If exposed to even a minuscule amount (0.0035%) of carbon monoxide constantly for 6-8 hours, one will start experiencing the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include lightheadedness, confusion, dizziness, and headache. It increasingly becomes worse as the concentration of the gas in the air rises.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (Photo Credit : Wikipedia)
At the end of the spectrum of its adverse effects is death of the exposed individual in less than 3 minutes, if its concentration in air is 1.28% (12,800 ppm) or more.
Hydrocarbons (Benzene)
Exhaust fumes contain certain hydrocarbons (compounds containing chains of hydrogen and carbon atoms), particularly benzene, which has dangerous consequences to our health both immediately and over the long term. As a well-known carcinogen (something that causes cancer), benzene is known to severely impact bone marrow, which could lead to a drop in the number of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), benzene can cause cancer of the blood-forming organs (or leukemia) if one is exposed over a long period of time.
Sulfur Dioxide
A colorless gas with a sharp, pungent smell, sulfur dioxide irritates the organs of the respiratory tract, including the nose and throat, causing wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. In the long run, prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide has been associated with asthma and other similar conditions.
Soot
Soot is that powdery stuff that makes exhaust fumes black.
Soot (diesel smoke) from a big truck. (Photo Credit : Wikipedia Commons)
That’s pretty much what soot is (on the outside, at least). More specifically, it is mass that is left behind as a result of the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons.
The detrimental effects of soot are too many to list, but they include influenza, asthma and even cancer. Soot deals a nasty blow to the respiratory organs of people who are constantly exposed to it. It’s also associated with acute vascular dysfunction and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Soot hurts the environment too (as do the other chemicals listed above). In fact, soot is so bad for the environment that it accounts for over one-quarter of the total hazardous pollution in the air!
