Safety on our roads: The impact of air pollutants from automobile exhaust
When you think about safety on Nigerian roads, the very first thing that comes to mind is probably the deplorable state of some road networks or the recklessness of some drivers on the road. But there is a silently lurking danger [which is often overlooked] that Nigerians- whether motor users, passengers or pedestrians- could be subjected to while plying or strolling through the road, and this has to do with the emission of toxic gases from the exhaust of different automobiles. The amount of gases released into the atmosphere from certain vehicles- especially commercial ones- is usually quite high and this create an enormous health hazard for anyone who gets to inhale the fume.
Which gases are released from vehicle’s exhaust?
There are different kinds of toxic gases that are emitted from the exhaust of vehicles, and these (gases) have varying health implications. At this point, I shall briefly discuss three (3) air pollutants that are commonly released from the exhaust into the surrounding.
Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless which means its presence could go unnoticed but it can have a marked effect on one’s well-being. With carbon monoxide poisoning comes the manifestation of nausea and dizziness as the brain, heart and other organs suffer oxygen deprivation. Carbon monoxide can also cause a person [who has inhaled a considerable amount of it] lose consciousness.
Sulphur dioxide: Sulphur dioxide is a toxic gas that can be produced as a result of fuel combustion in vehicles. Though invisible to the naked eyes, the gas has a pungent smell and could result in persistent cough, shortness of breath and other respiratory complications. Furthermore, it can cause irritation of the throat, nose and eyes.
Diesel Particulate Matter: This very pollutant emerges from automobiles that are powered by diesel. It comprises of toxic compounds like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Regular exposure to this gas can bring about lung cancer; it can also cause eye and nose irritations, headache and nausea among other severe health issues.
What must be done?
Although it is impossible to completely rid the atmosphere of these toxic gases but the amount [of these pollutants] can be significantly reduced hence the level of danger becoming drastically lowered. This can be done from different angles- from the motor users down to the regulatory agency.
Firstly, it is expedient that every motor user make sure that his/her automobile is in a good condition at all times. The components of the vehicle- from the air filter to the emission system, valves, carburetor, engine and so on- should well maintained and checked on regular basis.
Secondly, the regulatory agency responsible for checking vehicles’ road worthiness should re-instituted and/or made to be more efficient in ensuring that automobiles that are unfit to be on the road [or such that release so much fume into the surrounding] are taken off the road without delay.
And for the pedestrians and other road users that are open to inhaling these gases on daily basis, it is important that a form of protection- maybe a nose-mask- be on hand. Plus, it is advisable that one moves away from the danger zone as quickly as possible. Just for a mention, some of these toxic gases are emitted from other machines [like generators, gas turbine, etc] with internal combustion engines.