About Vehicle Emissions

Vehicle emissions include particulates, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and benzene. Research suggests the most damaging of these to people's health and wellbeing are particulates and carbon monoxide. Associated mainly with diesel engines, particulates are very fine particles that settle in the bronchial pathways and lungs. They make a number of respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis much worse and have been associated with premature death.
 
Carbon monoxide is mainly associated with petrol vehicles. It is colourless, makes heart disease worse, causes drowsiness and has been linked with learning difficulties. The effects of carbon monoxide are greater in cities where there are high traffic and congestion rates. A 2005 Ministry of Transport report put the cost in 2001/02 to cover the health effects of vehicle emissions at $442m.
 
Another harmful gas for the environment is carbon dioxide. It is a greenhouse gas which is being held responsible for climate change. About 40 percent of our carbon dioxide emissions come from transport, mainly private cars. Transport is one of the biggest growth areas of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Vehicle emissions also reduce visibility because of smog and haze, and stain buildings.