effects of automobile

Definition

An automobile (also motor car or simply car) is a wheeled passenger vehicle that carries its own motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to eight people, to typically have four wheels, and to be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods.[1] However, the term is far from precise.

Environmental problems

Automobiles release large amounts of carbon dioxide that is partly responsible for the world’s climate change (global warming). The total number of cars is increasing at the rate of about 50 million a year. The average car or light vehicle emits approximately 0.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilometre - in terms of volume, that is about 1 cubic metre of carbon dioxide for every 10 kilometres travelled.

Air pollution is a major concern for environmentalists regarding the usage of automobiles. Toxic air pollutants emitted from vehicles can be detrimental to people’s health.

As more people purchase cars, noise pollution can be a problem too.

There is also increased consumption of natural resources. Large amounts of material are used in their construction, and discarded automobiles can litter the countryside and fill waste dumps. Through much of the twentieth century the vehicles have been made of steel. Increasingly, other materials, such as plastics and fiberglass, are used as construction materials. This causes land pollution as plastics are non biodegradable.


Health problems

The emissions from the vehicles which are also air pollutants can cause serious health problems. Some of these pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead. The air quality drops when there is an increase in the emissions.

Carbon monoxide interferes with the body’s ability to transport oxygen to the brain, heart and other tissues. Young children and people who are suffering from heart diseases face the highest risk from this pollutant. Small amounts of this gas can cause fatigue, headaches and reduced reflexes.

Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide results in respiratory problems and chest pains. Lead poisioning is extremely dangerous as it reduces mental ability, damages organs and raises blood pressure.

Other toxic air pollutants include benzene which can cause genetic mutation, cancer, birth defects or other health related ailments. Large amounts of these pollutants may result in death.