What Air Pollutants Are Created from Vehicle Emissions?
A slew of harmful pollutants are created from driving our motor vehicles each day including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon dioxide. To be exact, because of air chemistry associated with the combustion engine, there are about 21.12 pounds of contaminants put into the air every time we burn a gallon of gasoline. Collectively, we drive about 21,000,000 miles every day in Pima County, so taking a drive less day once a week will make a difference if we each take a turn.
By choosing one day a week as a "no-drive day," we each can save about a half ton of pollution every year. That savings keeps the air cleaner and helps our neighbors, friends, and loved ones stay much healthier. Healthy air is in our hands.
Check out our Love the Air video to learn more about ways to keep the air healthy.