Source: https://naijauto.com/safe-driving/hazardous-health-effects-from-exhaust-fumes-91


The health burden caused by exhaust gases are omnipresent and not yet completely known.

The hazardous effects on health caused by exhaust gases are omnipresent and not yet completely recognized. Naijauto shall share some facts and figures, as well as simple but helpful actions you can take to protect your health against such toxic fumes.


The health burden caused by exhaust gases are omnipresent and not yet completely known

How are people exposed to exhausts fumes?

People are exposed to exhaust emissions in various situations from vehicles, machines and other fuel consuming engines. As reported by researchers from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Sciences, those suffering from heart disease with regular breathing of exhaust fume could subject to higher risk of a heart attack.

Where are people exposed to exhausts fumes?
1. During traveling


Traveling on road with heavy traffic is a source of exhaust fumes exposure

Traveling on roads with heavy truck or bus traffic might heighten the exposure to exhaust fumes so commuters to and from work are the usual victims. This is a problem of concern as most school buses riding children to and from school lack proper air conditioning systems.

2. Occupational environment


Exposure to fumes at working places is a leading cause of excessive exhaust inhaling

Exposure to fumes at working places is a leading cause of excessive exhaust inhaling. Professions with the highest exposures include heavy machinery operators, truck drivers, garage workers, railroad and dock workers, and mechanics.

3. Around the neighborhood

Exhaust fumes exist even at and around home, especially ones that emitted from electric generators.

How are exhaust gas produced?

Exhaust gases are byproducts of the combustion of fuels, during which petrol, diesel oil, fuel oil, coal and other similar matters are burned. Exhaust is then produced and discharged to the atmosphere through an exhaust pipe. Combustion gas is largely composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor, and a small percentage of toxic substances such as carbon monoxide as a result of incomplete combustion.

Common exhaust fumes borne diseases

1. Cancers

Various carcinogenic chemicals are contained in exhaust gases. Well known carcinogens including formaldehyde, 1,3- butadiene, and benzene have been found in diesel exhaust gases. It was recorded that vehicle emissions are the culprit in half of all cancer cases related to air pollution.

2. Cardiovascular diseases

As concentrations of particulate matter increase, cardiovascular disease patients may experience increased severity of symptoms and mortality. As reported, fatal cases and hospital admissions for myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia surge with the increase in the concentrations of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter.

3. Asthma attacks

Exhaust fume containing nearly 40 toxic pollutants is a threat to human health. These fine particles, including carbon particulates, can deeply penetrate into the lung and carry with them numerous hazardous compounds which are proven to increase the severity and duration of asthma attacks.

What to do to alleviate exhaust fumes exposure?

1. Turn off the engines when you not in motion. Cost of fuel consumption, deteriorated health, and environment burden could be significantly saved at the same time, so what to wait?

2. Machines that consume fuel should be refrained from use. As the time of running is reduced, the amount of exhaust gas will be lessened.

3. Avoiding places that a lot of toxic fumes is produced such as along busy streets or highways, factories and generators.

4. Protect the air you breath when travelling by closing the car glass and wearing protective mask, specially during peak hours and in heavy traffic.


Protect the air your breath by wearing protective mask

5. Ensure your car engine is well-functional. This shall considerably decrease the emission and the percentage of incompletely burned fuel. Get your car serviced properly and on a regular basis.

Source: https://naijauto.com/safe-driving/hazardous-health-effects-from-exhaust-fumes-91