Exhaust

And you shouldn't forget about exhaust emissions. After gasoline combustion $ndash; the majority of private cars work on this type of fuel - more than 200 toxic products emit! The most harmful of them are carbon and nitrogen oxides, organic compounds (formaldehyde, phenol) and heavy metals.

The fact is that the highest concentration of harmful emissions is 50-150 cm over the earth's surface; this is precisely the level of human breathing. Carbon monoxide has no colour, no smell, so people may not feel its presence in the air, even its deadly concentrations. It forms a strong compound with haemoglobin, making it unable to transfer oxygen to organs and tissues, which can lead to oxygen starvation, which is primarily harmful for brain. The first signs of poisoning: headache, heaviness in the head, weakness, slow reaction of the driver, dizziness, nausea, vomiting. In more severe cases one may even lose consciousness. Carbon monoxide is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels. Its high concentration in vehicles can lead to death even after transitory impact. In a single garage lethal concentration of carbon monoxide appears two or three minutes after the activation of the starter.

Even in fair weather while driving along a busy highway the air seems foggy, and the cloudlessness sky is rather grey than blue. The main cause of urban smog - nitrogen oxides, formed after the combustion of any fuel - natural gas, coal, gasoline or fuel oil. They irritate eyes and respiratory organs, can cause chronic lung diseases. At intersections and traffic lights, as well as standing in traffic jams, emissions of these substances are several times greater than when driving along a highway. That is the cause of many chronic diseases. When a critical concentration of nitrogen dioxide appears, for example indoors (garages), it leads to the pulmonary oedema and as a result to death.

And, of course, heavy metals. Their main danger is not only that they are carcinogenic, but that these substances accumulate in the body creating a dangerous concentration. Studies conducted in the U.S. showed that up before the ban of ethylic petrol in urban areas with high concentrations of exhaust the lower coefficient of intelligence in children was clearly seen. And the reason for this was lead vapour. Scientists note that heavy metals, especially lead, a very densely concentrated along highways, exceeding the baseline rates 10-20 times, and preserving the increased background up to 120 metres aside from these routes.

So it is time to turn over to bicycles and move outside the city. Of course, this is not possible - you may object. Sometimes, without a car is like without hands. That's right. But try to do everything possible to protect yourself, sitting at the wheel of your beloved car.

For the good of your health it is also important to pass vehicle maintenance, timely replacement of depreciated parts, liquids, oils, filters, etc.