Tuesday 12 July, 2011. The Green Piece Column.
Amid all the technological advancements, the political posturing and the environmental campaigning it’s easy to lose track of just why there is a need to replace the internal combustion engine with alternative fuels in the first place.
Even if you could care less about reducing oil dependency, or you don’t buy into global warming despite the scientific evidence, there is still a very good reason for a long term switch to green cars – because they are much better for our health.
Exposure
A recent study by Ohio State University (see article) revealed that long term exposure to particulate matter (PM 2.5) can lead to physical changes in the brain, as well as learning and memory problems, and even depression.
Studies carried out by the Davis Heart and Lung Research Group on mice have revealed that exposure to air pollution can lead to widespread inflammation of the body and this can be linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Now, in the most recent studies, researchers looked at branches that grow off the nerve cells and found that mice that were exposed to air pollution had fewer spines and reduced cell complexity.
It’s not just in mice however, where the statistics about air pollution appear overwhelming.
Carbon killers
Most car manufacturers are aiming to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) output of their vehicles to meet tight emission standards. One of the reasons for this is that prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations of CO2 can cause adverse affects on calcium phosphorus metabolism, which results in increased calcium deposits in soft tissue and can cause diminished contractile force.
According to studies, if CO2 makes up one per cent of the volume of air, it can cause drowsiness; at two per cent it is mildly narcotic and increases blood pressure; at five per cent it causes stimulation of the respiratory centre as well as dizziness and confusion; and at eight per cent it can cause headaches, tremors and even loss of consciousness.
As a result of the health risks associated with CO2 exposure, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that average exposure for adults during a healthy working day should not exceed 0.5 per cent.
It’s not just CO2 that can have an adverse effect on human health, however. On the contrary, nitrogen dioxides (NOx) are also renowned for their negative effects. For example, a 2005 study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, suggested there was a link between NO2 levels and sudden infant death syndrome. The study showed that incidents of sudden infant death syndrome went up and down with average carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels, with high levels almost doubling the risk even after accounting for tobacco smoke exposure.
Other emissions produced by the vehicles we drive include: hydrocarbons, which have been linked to asthma, liver disease and cancer; carbon monoxide, to which overexposure may be fatal; sulphur oxide; and volatile organic compounds.
What is being done to combat these emissions?
There are several agencies in charge of regulating vehicle emissions. For example, in the US, overall responsibility belongs to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but emissions in California are regulated by the Air Resources Board. Meanwhile, in the UK, devolved powers mean that regulation is split between the Environmental Agency for England and Wales; the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency for Scotland; and the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.
Vehicle manufacturers have taken a number of steps to reduce emissions through improved engine design, electronic ignition, more precise fuel metering, computerised engine management and precise ignition timing. Catalytic converters change hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into less harmful gases; exhaust gas recirculation reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides; and air injection cuts the amount of unburned hydrocarbons emitted by the exhaust system.
Our verdict – Time to breathe easy
You don’t have to be an environmentalist to support green cars – you just have to have common sense. Anybody, whose life has been touched by respiratory diseases, will take note of the serious evidence that links air pollution not only with asthma and dizziness, but with cancer and even death.
The arguments against electric cars are well known – but the strong evidence that reducing harmful emissions can seriously benefit our health should give governments all the incentive they need to address issues such as range anxiety and lack of infrastructure and make these vehicles a reality.
After all, an investment in electric cars is an investment in good health – and in the long term that can have serious financial benefits too.
Faye Sunderland.
