Carbon Monoxide Pollution

Introduction:

Carbon Monoxide pollution is due to the “incomplete combustion of carbon” (Environmental Health Center, Local Air Quality). Combustion is a ”rapid chemical reaction between substances that is usually accompanied by generation of heat and light in the form of flame” (Encyclopedia Britannica). It is an invisible and odorless gas (U.S. Department of Labor). CO (aka Carbon Monoxide) pollution is dealt with everyday. The main cause of this type of pollution is due to the use of automobiles, industrial emission, and the use of household appliances. However, in 1975 and 1981, there was a 77% reduction of CO pollution as stated by editor Eric Chivian (Chivian, M.D., Eric). Carbon monoxide pollution has increased largely since the fuel as a source of energy for cars. There are now government organizations that help to prevent or reduce pollution, one such organization is known as the Oxygenated Fuel Association.

Cause of CO Pollution:

CO is present in the air because of combustion of the fuel in cars and appliances in the home just to mention a few (World Almanac). Industries also give off a harmful amount of CO. The Carbon Monoxide in the household may be of a higher concentration than what is outside, causing the air in the house to be polluted (American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide). Some of these polluting household products include: “gas appliances; space heaters, fireplaces or wood and coal stoves; charcoal grills, automobile exhaust fumes, camp stoves, gas powered lawn mowers or power tools” (American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide). Proper ventilation prevents problems. One of the main sources of air pollution is the man-made vehicle. From 1988 to 1997, out of those listed, transportation had the highest numbers but out of those years the statistics of transportation had a generally decreased(The World Almanac). However, in 1974 carbon monoxide emission was at 73.5 million tons (Air Pollution, Human Health, and Public Policy).

Ways of Preventing CO Pollution:

Government and environmental officials are trying to figure out ways to prevent and minimize CO pollution. Cars have been identified as the main carbon monoxide polluter some easy solutions have been determined. For example, carpooling can be used, instead of driving separately, if people are going to the same place. Walking, biking or skating to near by stores can help minimize on the fuel

emission pollution of CO. If a car is not within one’s budget take a public bus because there are going to be a lot of other people going to the same place. Other solutions are more law related; a group called Oxygenated Fuel Association, put more oxygen-carrying compounds to interact with the CO so it could take some of the poison gas out of carbon monoxide (Kovski, Alan). Each year 300 people die from household appliances due to carbon monoxide poisoning (American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide). Here are some things to remember in order to decrease this statistic:

1. Don’t use appliances that are not use to heat the house.

2. Only burn charcoal outside.

3. Operate gas-powered engines outside.

4. In well-vented areas it is possible to use kerosene space heaters and unvented gas heaters.

5. Make sure there are CO detectors throughout the home and garage, also that they have sound.

(American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide)

Health Concerns:

There are some side affects or health problems due to this of pollution. Some of the effects can range from being hospitalized or doctor visits, sick leave from work or school, and possible loss of consciousness or death (Stewart, Jr., Charles T, American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide). When a person experiences a high concentration of CO his/her carbohemoglobin in the blood raises (Stewart, Jr., Charles T). When that occurs it reduces the ability of the blood to transport oxygen throughout the body (Local Air Quality). The raised levels of CO are associated with collapsing, convulsions, and even death (Chivian, M.D., Eric,). Since oxygen is inhaled and not carbon monoxide, a person can have trouble breathing (Chivian, M.D., Eric,). Low concentration of indoor CO poisoning health concerns are a sense of feeling tired, and can give chest pain (American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide). Other side effects at low levels are “burning eyes and nose, itchy and irritated throat” (Karstadt, Myra). The higher levels taken in can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, throwing up and incomprehension (American Lung Association Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide).

Clean Air Act:

The government wanted a change dealing with the environment. Due to the excessive pollution in the United States the Clean Air Act was established in 1970 (Karstadt, Myra). Since then, there have been amendments added to the Act. In 1990, there were more changes made. The 1990 Clean Air Act is 800 pages (Carlstadt, Myra). One of the areas was called the nonattainment (Manji, James F.). This called for factories to upgrade and change the amount of released emissions as to be within the legal pollution limits (Manji, James F.). An included chart (figure 1) shows the states and cities of the carbon monoxide nonattainment areas (Karstadt, Myra).