In this lesson, I will talk about the gases emitted from vehicles and their harmful effects and impact on the environment

Carbon monoxide (CO)

• It affects the blood’s absorption of oxygen.
• It causes fatigue and can lead to death in most cases.
• Catalytic filter reduces carbon monoxide emissions.
• Not useful to life, like oxygen, on which the life of living organisms depends.
• It results from the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials and organic compounds such as coal, oils, greases, and fuels.
• A colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that represents the largest percentage of air pollutants.
• It is highly toxic because it is easily absorbed by red blood cells.
• It causes tissue damage and death in some cases.
• A gas whose fumes cannot be seen or smelled, it kills a person before he realizes that it is there.
• It is lighter than air and turns into carbon dioxide gas when mixed with air.
• Fueled with air or oxygen, it is highly explosive.
• Vehicles are the main air pollutant with this gas.
• Symptoms of poisoning (headache – dizziness – nausea – fatigue)

First aid in the event of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning

• Remove the person from the area where carbon monoxide gas is present immediately and place him or her in fresh air.
• Immediately call an ambulance – carbon monoxide poisoning requires oxygen support.
• Find the source that is emitting carbon monoxide and shut it down immediately.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Nitric oxide

• Nitric oxide is present in gases and is responsible for causing acidity in forests and lakes

Note: You can become poisoned if you operate your car in a garage and the ventilation there is also poor