Climate and pollution

Chemicals and pollution

• Hydrocarbons (HC) cause cancer and together with nitric oxides they contribute to ozone formation. Hydrocarbons possibly also effects DNA.
• Nitric oxides (NOx) (or: nitrogen oxides) have various effects. They contribute to the eutrophication of water (lakes, oceans, etc.), the acidification of land and water, and ozone formation. They could also impact our breathing and DNA.
• PM10 stands for "particulate matter 10". These particles are incredibly small and when being inhaled they can lead to health problems. Some of the smallest PM10 particles can even penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream unfiltered.
• Catalytic converters convert substances which are hazardous for the most part into water and carbon dioxide.
• In case of cold starts the catalytic converter won't work, because in order for it to work, a high temperature is required.
• Around 80-95% of the hazardous substances from the exhaust gases are filtered out by the catalytic converter.
• In Sweden, around 30% of all of the emissions of carbon dioxide is caused by road traffic.
• The combination of hydrocarbons (HC) and nitric oxide (NOx) contributes to tropospheric ozone formation.
• If everyone in Sweden would keep themselfs to the speed limits, then the carbon dioxide emissions per year would be reduced by about 700.000 tonnes, which is equal to the emission of about 200.000 cars.
• The amount of fuel you use is proportionally always equal to the emission of carbon dioxide. For instance if your emission is 2.3kg per 1 litre fuel, if you then would use 2 litres of fuel then your emission of carbon dioxide would be 4.6kg.
• Diesel engines release more nitric oxides (NOx) compared to petrol engines, but they only emit a little bit more.
• An average car driver in Sweden emits around 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
• Nowadays the emissions of sulphur dioxide are only about 1% of which they were around 30 years ago, so we can say that this problem is as good as gone.
• The Euro norm gives limits for the amount of nitric oxide and other hazardous particles, the Euro norm gives however no limits for ozone nor carbon dioxide.
• Older tyres often contain oils called HA oils which cause cancer, many older tyres have these HA oils but not all.
• With harmfulness for the environment we are referring to the greenhouse effect, and carbon dioxide (CO2) has the biggest effect on that.
• Driving immediately after starting the engine helps to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. Because, when idling, an engine uses more fuel and thus more harmful substances are released. This is unnecessary, so the best is to start driving directly after starting the engine.
• The gas carbon monoxide (CO) decreases the blood's ability to bind oxygen, which can lead to problems with concentration and tiredness.
• The catalytic converter is likely to stop working when surpassing 3000 rpm.
• The air pollution that is being caused by traffic increases the risk of developing allergies.
• Studded tyres cause particles, which are harmful for human health, to be released from the roads into the air. Therefore it’s recommended to not use studded tyres in densely built areas.
• Around 80-95% of the hazardous substances from the exhaust gases are filtered out by the catalytic converter. These particles are then for the most part turned into water and carbon dioxide.
• It’s not suitable to drive in cities or areas that are densely populated with older diesel cars which don't have particle filters, because these emit high quantities of hazardous particles.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is very deceitful since it does not have a colour nor a smell.
• Both the emissions of particles and soot of diesel engines can be lowered by the use of particle filters.

Climate

• There are often specific regulations about the amount the time you’re allowed to let an engine idle.
• Every car that is sold nowadays needs to fullfill certain environmental requirements, these are referred to as the Euro norm.
• Compared to about 20 years ago the air quality in densely build areas has improved a lot.
• Ozone near to the earth is dangerous, however, ozone high in the atmosphere gives us protection from dangerous UV rays. Therefore, ozone is not always dangerous.
• The air pollution in areas that are densely populated is mainly caused by road traffic emissions.
• When you start an engine when it’s cold it will use more fuel, as compared to when it’s already warm.
• Eutrophication basically means that water is being overly nourished with nutrients, which is not good.
• In general the most environmental friendly way to travel is by train, rather than by buss or car. It's therefore recommend to not use the car whenever possible and take the train instead.
• Waxing your car is not bad for the environment, because the effect of applying wax is that less dirt sticks to the car. This results in having to wash the car less regularly, and less washing is better for the environment.
• Manholes (or street drains) lead excessive water from rain directly to nearby lakes, seas, etc. That would mean that all the dirt and cleaning products you use end up in the environment without anything being filtered out. So you shall never wash your car near a normal manhole.