Table of contents:
- The dangers of exhaust fumes on human health
- 1. Vehicle exhaust is carcinogenic
- 2. Trigger damage to the respiratory system
- 3. Circulatory system damage
- Not everyone will experience the same effects from exposure to exhaust fumes
Exhaust gas (emissions) from vehicles, or more commonly known as exhaust fumes, are the byproducts of incomplete combustion of vehicle engines. Exposed gases contain various chemicals and can be easily inhaled by anyone in the vicinity of the emitting vehicle. Without realizing it, the exposure enters the respiratory and circulatory systems, causing damage to the body even though it takes a long time.
The dangers of exhaust fumes on human health
1. Vehicle exhaust is carcinogenic
Even though today's fuels have lower levels of pollution, the number of pollutants remains high due to an increase in the number of vehicles. In addition, exhaust gas in vehicles remains carcinogenic, which is harmful to health even in small amounts. Exposure to carcinogenic substances results in organ damage and can lead to cancer.
There are two main chemical substances from vehicle exhaust that are carcinogenic, namely:
Benzene - is an aromatic compound as a base mixture in fuel, and is also released along with the exhaust gas from the vehicle. Benzene is very easy to enter the body through the respiratory tract and skin surface. Too much benzene in the bloodstream can interfere with the formation of red blood cells by damaging the bone marrow.
Lead - is a metal that is easily formed so that it can be produced from vehicle exhaust gases. Lead metal can deposit and accumulate on various surfaces of objects, even in the bodies of living things, plants and water. Lead exposure to a person causes a reaction in the bloodstream, increases the risk of anemia and interferes with the work of the nerves and brain.
2. Trigger damage to the respiratory system
The respiratory system is the first and foremost affected by exposure to exhaust gases. The impact of exposure to vehicle exhaust gases on the respiratory system, including:
Lowering oxygen levels in the body. All the inhaled air will enter the lung cavity to be distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream. Inhaling vehicle exhaust gas is very dangerous because it contains carbon monoxide (CO). Compared to oxygen, CO is more easily bound by red blood cells so that exposure to CO in a short time can reduce the level of oxygen distributed in the blood. Tissues that are deprived of oxygen are very susceptible to damage, especially to the brain, and CO levels also trigger shortness of breath.
Respiratory tract damage. Vehicle dust particles are usually black dust that is released from the exhaust duct. The dust can also settle in other parts of the vehicle. Long-term exposure to vehicle dust can cause disturbances including:
- Asthma - not only is asthma triggered by allergies but also inflammation that causes impaired lung function in breathing.
- Lung cancer - irritation and inflammation and accumulation of carcinogenic substances can lead to the development of lung cancer.
3. Circulatory system damage
The circulatory system is the next part that gets damaged after the respiratory tract. One study showed that exposure to CO increased blood viscosity as well as increased levels of inflammatory proteins, which are signs of the development of atherosclerosis. It is also exacerbated by exposure to sulfates from vehicle dust as it can accelerate the breakdown of blood vessels. Content polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can trigger arrhythmias and heart attacks, thereby increasing the risk of death for people with heart disease.
An environmental study in Boston showed that when an area has high levels of vehicle exhaust gas exposure, its residents have a 4% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. The results of this study indicate the risk of exposure to vehicle fumes can worsen the disease and is a risk factor for premature death from degenerative diseases.
Not everyone will experience the same effects from exposure to exhaust fumes
Not everyone will experience respiratory and cardiovascular disorders due to vehicle exhaust gas. This depends on the intensity of exposure and the length of time the exposure lasts. Health problems generally arise if there is regular exposure for a long time. In addition, diesel-type vehicle exhaust generally has higher levels of toxicity and dust, as well as a wider variety of carcinogens, especially benzene, lead, formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene.
Everyone also has different vulnerabilities. Children, adults who have certain diseases, and elderly people are more prone to experience disorders due to exposure to vehicle exhaust gases. Children who are often exposed to exhaust fumes are at risk of developing developmental disorders, respiratory problems, heart and cardiovascular disease, and even cancer later in life. Meanwhile, people with degenerative diseases and the elderly generally have a higher risk of death when exposed to vehicle exhaust gases.
