Traffic fumes

Exhaust Gases: Threat to Atmospheric Air

The mixture of gaseous products formed during the combustion of fuel in internal combustion engines is called exhaust gases (EG). This phenomenon has become especially relevant in light of the intensive growth in the number of motor vehicles, such as cars, airplanes and others, which has led to serious air pollution. The problem of road transport is especially acute in cities where the number of cars is constantly increasing.

The composition of exhaust gases depends on the type of fuel, operating mode, type and condition of the engine. V. contain carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and aldehydes, for example, formaldehyde, as well as lead (when using leaded gasoline). The VG of engines running on diesel fuel also contains soot.

Photooxidants are formed from hydrocarbons, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides and other substances as a result of complex photochemical processes stimulated by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Their number depends on the season of the year, time of day and other factors.

The term “oxidants” refers to the total concentration of oxidizing agents in the air (ozone, nitrogen oxides, peroxyacyl nitrate, formaldehyde, etc.). Oxidants, even in small concentrations, cause irritation of the mucous membranes, especially the eyes, and can cause complications of respiratory tract diseases.

The greatest air pollution from exhaust gases is observed in cities with narrow, poorly wind-blown streets and heavy traffic, as well as in garages and service stations when engines are not operated properly.

If you spend a long time in an atmosphere significantly polluted by exhaust gases, poisoning can occur. Symptoms of poisoning and first aid are described in the article “Carbon monoxide”.

To combat air pollution from exhaust gases, it is necessary to take effective measures. These include strict (automatic) monitoring of the technical condition of engines when the vehicles enter the line, timely repair of engines, correct adjustment of carburetors, etc. It is also necessary to prohibit the operation of engines for more than 1-1.5 minutes in garages, to arrange and strictly control the operation of supply and exhaust ventilation in all work areas where internal combustion engines operate.

Important measures aimed at reducing the concentration of exhaust gases in the atmosphere of cities are the construction of well-ventilated wide streets, ring roads, the organization of non-stop traffic at several levels, zoning of the city territory with the allocation of residential and industrial neighborhoods, etc.

A radical measure to combat air pollution from exhaust gases is to replace the fuel in internal combustion engines with something more environmentally friendly, for example, hydrogen and other alternative energy sources. It is also important to improve and create fundamentally new engines that will be more efficient and environmentally friendly.

By diverting sources of air pollution to clean fuels, we can significantly improve environmental quality and ensure human health. This requires action at all levels, from government to each of us, to create a healthier and more environmentally friendly living environment.



Exhaust gases are a mixture of gaseous products generated during the operation of internal combustion engines. They contain various substances harmful to humans, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons and particulate soot.

The main components of exhaust gases are nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor and carbon dioxide. However, it is toxic impurities that pose the greatest danger. Carbon monoxide blocks the transport of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to poisoning. Nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons are also toxic and carcinogenic.

Exhaust gas emissions from motor vehicles are one of the main sources of air pollution in cities. In order to reduce the harmful effects on human health and the environment, increasingly stringent environmental regulations and standards for the composition of vehicle exhaust gases are being introduced. Exhaust cleaning technologies are being developed, including the use of catalytic converters.



Exhaust gases are a mixture of gaseous products that are formed during the operation of internal combustion engines. These gases contain substances harmful to human health, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and other compounds.

Exhaust gases are one of the main sources of environmental pollution. They may contain a variety of chemicals, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (CH4) and others. These gases can be hazardous to the health of people, animals and plants.

One of the main reasons for the formation of exhaust gases is the combustion of fuel in internal combustion engines. During this process, fuel oxidizes, which leads to the formation of various gases, including those harmful to health.

Various methods are used to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, such as using cleaner fuels, optimizing engine performance and using exhaust filters. However, despite all efforts, emissions of harmful substances continue to be a problem for the environment and human health.

Thus, exhaust fumes are a serious environmental concern and require serious attention from governments and the public. Measures must be taken to reduce emissions of harmful substances and protect human health and the environment as a whole.