CAR SICK

Increasing reliance on the automobile is exacting a toll on human health and that of the biosphere. The hidden costs of burning gasoline in auto engines have been shown to be about 80 cents per gallon. The negative effects of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulates are noted. Engine modifications to reduce combustion products including catalysts are discussed. Although the U.S. has pioneered in setting pollution limits, and not all other countries have kept pace with them, the goal of clean air remains elusive in the U.S. The current gasoline-powered car can meet considerably more stringent norms than those in force today. Pollution abatement efforts should attempt to prevent or reduce exhaust emission formation at the source. Some alternative engine designs could achieve that goal, such as the stratified charge engine. Better fuel economy is another method of reducing emissions. Research is developing a membrane that, by separating nitrogen before entry into the combusion chamber, can eliminate nitrogen oxide as well as boost combustion efficiency. The quest for a nonpetroleum fuel is continuing, and efforts are being focused on ethanol and methanol. Some states are mandating that alcohol be blended with gasoline. Electric vehicle technology is also being developed. However, the carbon dioxide problem may not be solved with either the alcohol fuels or electric vehicles. It is noted that hydrogem may be the most desirable fuel of the future.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08960615
• Corporate Authors:

  World Watch Institute

  1776 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Authors:
  • Renner, M G
• Publication Date: 1988-11

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 36-43
• Serial:
  • World Watch
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: World Watch Institute
  • ISSN: 0896-0615

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcohols; Alternate fuels; Automobiles; Carbon dioxide; Carbon monoxide; Costs; Electric vehicles; Engines; Environmental protection; Ethanol; Fuel consumption; Gasoline; Health; Hydrogen; Methanol; Nitric oxide; Nitrogen oxides; Particulates; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Engine design
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Environment; Finance; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00482582
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1989 12:00AM