Automobile Traffic Pollution

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Causes:                                                                                                                               Top

Automobiles include cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats (anything that burns gas). They leave oil, antifreeze, grease and metals on streets and driveways. Automobile exhaust contains unburned hydro-carbons, particulates, carbon dioxide and oxides of sulphur that cause smog, acid rain, and global warming. They also emit nitrogen and other contaminants, which settle in water. The oxides combine with vapour to form acids which return to the ground as acid rain. Americans dump enough oil to contaminate about 1.5 trillion gallons of water every year. Also, many car washing detergents contain phosphorus.
Effects:                                                                                                                               Top
Oil, petroleum products and other toxins from automobiles kill fish, plants, aquatic life and even people. One quart of oil will contaminate thousands of gallons of water because it doesn't dissolve. These toxins as well as trace metals and degreasing agents used on automobiles contaminate drinking water and can cause major illness. Some of these toxins and metals are absorbed in various sea life and cause medical problems to people when eaten. Phosphorus and nitrogen cause explosive growth of algae, which depletes water of oxygen, killing fish and aquatic life. Smog a mixture of fog and smoke damages the eye, throat and lung and damages the plant. Photochemical a harsh form of smog, is created when there is a reaction with sunlight and unburned hydrocarbons and the oxides of nitrogen in automobile exhaust. Carbon dioxide, produced from the burning of fossil fuels including gasoline, is the leading cause of the greenhouse effect, a phenomenon though to be responsible for rising global temperatures.
Solutions:                                                                                                                               Top

Oil Leak

car wash

Reduce use, and car pool.

Monitor and repair any leaks.

Always take used oil, batteries and other fluids to a repair shop for proper disposal.

Never allow oil or other toxins to runoff into the ground, street gutters or storm drains.

Take your car to a commercial car wash or use detergents that don't contain phosphorus to wash your car and direct the flow of runoff to grass clippings or gravel instead of the street. 
When purchasing a new automobile look for cars with high fuel efficiency ratings.