Vehicles emit major air pollutant like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides etc.
Explanation
Air pollution from cars, trucks and buses is split into primary and secondary pollution. Primary pollution is emitted directly into the atmosphere; secondary pollution results from chemical reactions between pollutants in the atmosphere.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants form ground-level ozone and particulate matter (secondary). Also, harmful as a primary pollutant, NOx can cause lung irritation and weaken the body’s defences against respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza.
- Carbon monoxide (CO). This odourless, colourless, and poisonous gas is formed by the combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline and is emitted primarily from cars and trucks. When inhaled, CO blocks oxygen from the brain, heart, and other vital organs.
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2). Power plants and motor vehicles create this pollutant by burning sulfur-containing fuels, especially diesel and coal.
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