You must have heard of smog, but do you know what comes among the significant sources of this ugly grey sheet? And how could we prevent it?
In Lahore, winter is back, and temperature has dropped. A city where the season came with pride, is now a dangerous albatross around the neck of its citizens.
As per private monitors, the provincial city, in terms of air quality, falls among the worst in the world, followed by Beijing, Dhaka, Milan, Shenyang, Seattle, Zagreb, Portland, Karachi, and Vancouver.
Major Pollutants Come from Cars
Every time we drive cars, passenger vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks, pollutants, especially smog-forming emissions, are emitted directly into the air. That’s why vehicles are considered the major contributor to this calamity.
Here are the four major pollutants vehicles produce:
Hydrocarbons – Unburned fuel, dirty motor oil soaked with combustion by-products, and poor crankcase ventilation beget an excessive number of hydrocarbons. Moreover, fuel leaks, normal fuel evaporation, and vapors while filling the tanks are common causes of hydrocarbons.
Carbon monoxide – A deadly, odorless, and colorless carbon monoxide (CO) is another by-product of smog. Dirty air filter, faulty oxygen sensor, coolant sensor, throttle position, and manifold pressure are the frequent sources of CO.
Oxides of Nitrogen – Failed or failing catalytic converter or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve are the common causes producing oxides of Nitrogen (NOX). Furthermore, High compression engines and extremely high temperatures fall in the list.
Solid Particles – Black smoke exiting from tailpipes is highly saturated with these solid particles. Fuel or ignition system problems, failed or failing engine sensors, and severely worn engine burning oil in the combustion chamber are among the common causes of solid particles.
How To Prevent? – A Checklist
- Change the oil, filter, and PCV Valve to avert an excess of crankcase combustion by-products
- Service the battery, clean the terminals, and add battery fluid if needed.
- Replace the thermostat and flush the coolant
- Check the spark plugs and wires
- Clean the throttle body
- Add fuel injector cleaner to the fuel tank
- Ensure the exhaust system is not leaking and catalytic converter is in place
What Can Government Do?
Until the government device a long-term policy, here are some measures that they can take:
- Restriction of Parking
- Introducing fresh speed limitations
- Using high-quality fuel
- Putting half of the vehicles off the roads
- Avoid burning garbage
- Avoid burning crops
- Avoid the use of fossil fuel-powered appliances
- Avoid the products releasing high levels of Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), use low-VOC paint
What do you think about the prevalent issue of SMOG? And, what can be additional steps to control this evil? Tell us in the comment section.
