How does Black Carbon from the Transport Sector Affect Human Health?

ETRH Jun 29, 2021

The lungs are penetrated deeply by fine particles. Ambient fine particle pollution was placed tenth among all risk factors in a recent review of top public health concerns, amounting to 3.7 million deaths in 2012. Black carbon is the second most prominent contributor to human-induced climate change after carbon dioxide. All major OECD economies have significantly decreased fine PM and BC emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles through ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and diesel emission control technologies. There is up to 99 percent removal efficiency with diesel particulate filters. With the advancement in technology, today it's possible to reduce the emission of such harmful gases emitting through your car's engine. One can go to the best mobile emission test stations to ensure the safety of their vehicle and nature.

Transportation-related air pollution adds to smog and poor air quality, which has a detrimental influence on the health and well-being of citizens. Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are all pollutants that contribute to poor air quality (VOCs).

The transportation industry is in charge of:

  • Over 55% of NOx total emissions inventory in the U.S.
  • Less than 10% of VOCs emissions in the U.S.
  • Less than 10% of PM2.5 and PM10 emissions in the U.S.

The transportation sector also contributes to air toxics emissions, known or suspected to cause cancer or other severe health and environmental effects. Examples of mobile source air toxins include benzene, formaldehyde, and diesel particulate matter. Every year, millions of people die prematurely due to air pollution, both outside and inside. The inhalation of particulate matter mainly causes deaths. Because of its small size, black carbon, a component of particulate matter, is highly hazardous to human health. However, black carbon has adverse effects on human health and visibility, ecosystems, agricultural output, and global warming.

Car, buses, and trucks release harmful pollutants into the environment throughout their life cycle, including emissions during driving operating and fuel production. Additional emissions are associated with the manufacturing and disposal of the material being used.

The air pollution released through cars is divided into primary and secondary pollution. The pollutants are directly released into the environment. While the secondary results from the chemical reactions between pollutants in the air. People with lower immune chronic illness are especially susceptible and highly vulnerable to the hazardous effects of bad air quality.

Getting your fleet's diesel truck emission test done will help you take a step towards a sustainable & safer future.

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