By Kate Hughes and Jess Hawke

Un-burnt Hydrocarbons  Cars cannot always fully combust the hydrocarbons, leaving un-burnt hydrocarbons in the exhaust. Health effects  Some Hydrocarbons are called Carcinogenic, this classes them as solvents and as a result, prolonged exposure can cause cancer Social effects (environmental)  These Hydrocarbons are components of Photochemical smog. This produces a brown haze and can contribute to respiratory problems. Another property of the hydrocarbons is their flammability of the vapour, resulting in an increased danger of Fires igniting. CHEMICAL ORIGIN  Carbon and hydrogen (CH) CHEMICAL EQUATION  Fuel + Air  C x H y

Carbon Monoxide  Carbon monoxide is formed in the exhaust from un- combusted reactants. Health Issues  Low to moderate exposure can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. Higher exposure can lead to comas and death (less likely to be caused by exhaust fumes). Social/environmental effects  Although it’s not a greenhouse gas, it can increase the concentration levels of methane and ozone, thus contributing to global warming. Chemical Origins  Carbon and Oxygen (CO) Chemical Equation  Fuel + Air  CO

Particulates  Particulates are spheres of liquids suspended in a liquid or gas and are commonly found in car exhaust fumes. Are small carbon particles which are not visible to the naked eye. Health Implications  Strongly affects respiratory system, for example irritation to the lungs. Especially in young children and the elderly. Environmental problems  (Rarely cause environmental issues) Chemical Origins  Carbon particles (C) Chemical Equation  Fuel + Air  particulates

Carbon Dioxide  Carbon Dioxide is a chemical compound found in high quantities in Motor Car exhaust fumes. Is formed by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Health Problems  Most common issue caused is Asphyxiation and other respiratory problems. Social effects (environmental)  Vastly contributes to global warming due to it trapping the earth’s heat in the ozone layer. Chemical Origin  Carbon and Oxygen (CO 2 ) Chemical Equation  Fuel + Air  CO 2

Nitrogen Oxides (No x )  Nitrogen oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and is always found in exhausts. Health Problems  Due to acidity, health problems can occur for asthmatics. Environmental issues  Are very acidic, thus contributing to acid rain in the atmosphere, therefore corrode limestone buildings and damages forests and lakes Chemical origin  Nitrogen and Oxygen (NO x ) Chemical Equation  Fuel + Air  NO x

Sulfur Dioxide  Has very similar properties to nitrogen oxides Health Issues  Contributes to respiratory problems particularly for asthmatics. Environmental Implications  Increases production of acid rain Chemical Origin  Sulfur and oxygen (SO 2 ) Chemical Equation  Fuel + air  SO 2

Conclusion  Fuel + Air  Hydrocarbons + Nitrogen Oxides + Carbon Dioxide + Carbon Monoxide + water  In conclusion, in the exhaust fumes, pollutants are produced, all having their own implications; most commonly upon the environment involving contribution towards Global Warming. However, there are also effects upon individuals such inhabitants of earth suffering with asthma.