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Diesel Exhaust
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TRANSPORT AND FATE OF DIESEL EXHAUST IN THE ENVIRONMENT Since there are so many compounds in diesel exhaust, it is complicated to discuss each chemical’s fate and transport in the environment. This website only discusses a few of the main pollutants. For additional information on the toxic agents in diesel exhaust, refer to www.atsdr.cdc.gov. Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a natural component of air. Excess carbon dioxide produced by diesel exhaust and other fuel burning activities create an accumulation of carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. During the day, sunlight penetrates the atmosphere and heats the earth. CO2 and other “greenhouse gases” absorb the heat (infrared radiation) that the earth that normally escapes from the atmosphere. Excessive amounts of greenhouse gases have caused the earth’s temperature to rise. Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen dioxide reacts in air to form nitric acid and other organic nitrates, which are corrosive to buildings and sculptures and contribute to the formation of acid rain. Acid rain causes increased acidity in lakes and in the soil, which can kill fish and lead to eutrophication. Acidic soil causes leaching of nutrients and can damage root filaments of plants, hindering water uptake. Nitrogen oxides have secondary reactions produce ground-level ozone, which creates smog, and can damage crops and forests. Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur dioxide reacts to form sulfates, which contribute to acid rain, resulting in the corrosion of buildings such as the Taj Majal and the Mayan Temples and can lead to the eutrophication of lakes. Sulfur dioxide is also a precursor to particulate matter. Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen sulfide breaks down to form sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid.
Particulate matter 2.5 References: Useful links:
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