Unleaded Petrol: Street Smart

Invisible gases pervade the outdoors. They are car fumes, a deadly cocktail of chemicals that spew out every time we drive - carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, sooty particles and lead. They don't, much as we'd like them to, vanish into thin air. They linger in the atmosphere, take our breath away, and assimilate in our bodies. Poisoning us, slowly.

This is hardly news. Or, perhaps it is; because the last time we conducted a spot poll on the quality of air that we breath in the Emirates (Earthsense, Friday, December 11-17, 1998), the general view was that air pollution is a non-issue here. "But how do people know? Has the impact of vehicle emissions on health been monitored? This can be determined only through studies over an extended period,'' said Dr. Manoj Dhingra who telephoned us from Ajman in response to the Earthsense feature. He has a point. How do we know if that drowsiness, loss of concentration, increased vulnerability to viral infections, those headaches, that persistent cough…..are not on account of exposure to car fumes? Because car fumes are known to irritate the lungs, make asthma and breathing difficulties much worse, cause cancer and, in very serious cases, to kill. Rising asthma cases and other respiratory ailments in the UAE, in fact the entire Gulf region, have been causing concern among health experts.

For years there has been talk about the dangers of auto-exhaust, not only to our health, but also its substantial contribution to global warming through the emission of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide. Over the years, governments have tried to control vehicular pollution by establishing quality standards that have become progressively more stringent, and performing inspections to insure that these are met. The equipment necessary to meet air quality standards has also become increasingly sophisticated and complex. Yet automobile pollution continues to be a global problem because there are just far too many cars, and their numbers show no signs of diminishing. Besides, not all countries pay heed to emission standards and, as is only too well known, pollution crosses borders freely! For instance, sulphur dioxide (exhaust from diesel engines) can travel 500 km in a day, carried by the wind, raining sulphuric acid in other lands.

HOW EMISSIONS CAN BE REDUCED FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
Prevention Mass transit/public transport Bicycles and walking Less polluting engines Less polluting fuels Improved fuel efficiency Getting older, polluting cars off the road Financial incentives for buying low-polluting, energy-efficient vehicles Restricted driving in polluted areas	Cleanup Emission control devices Regular car exhaust inspections Stricter emission standards

Significant among various emission control systems and procedures adopted are catalytic converters fitted in car exhaust systems, and the phasing out of leaded petrol, a main source of lead in the urban atmosphere.

A catalytic converter is a device (it is used in conjunction with various other kinds of emission control systems) that is attached in the car's exhaust pipe. It consists of an insulated chamber containing pellets of a variety of metal oxides (usually platinum or palladium) that trigger off a chemical reaction as the harmful gases pass through them. Carbon monoxide is turned into carbon dioxide; hydrocarbons become carbon dioxide and water; nitrogen oxides convert into nitrogen and oxygen. Catalytic converters can achieve 50% to 90% reductions in pollution emission. If they are electronically linked to the carburettor, so that exhaust gases can be regulated for maximum conversion efficiency, then converters can achieve higher reduction; if unregulated, then lower. However, since catalytic converters do not eliminate emissions completely (and they increase emission of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas) the number of vehicles in use counts. As car populations increase, so do poisons in the air (and atmospheric warming). In the UK, all new cars have had to be fitted with catalytic converters since 1993; and in the USA, since 1983. Yet automobile pollution is still a problem in these countries, although much less than would have been the case without strict pollution control programmes.

Catalytic converters can only operate on lead-free or unleaded petrol because lead stops the metals contained in it from working properly.

In May this year, the dangers of environmental pollution caused by vehicles were discussed at the Dubai Police Officers Club. The air pollution threat caused by motor vehicle emissions is, it seems, really serious; or getting there. While 86% of air pollution in Dubai (it has some 300,000 cars) is on account of car emissions, in Abu Dhabi it is about 60%. A disconcerting revelation was that over 90% of the vehicles in the UAE reportedly use leaded fuel. This tells us a number of things. For one, there are few cars in use that are equipped with catalytic converters (it is not yet a regulation), because cars that are so fitted must use only unleaded fuel. Next, perhaps people don't know that unleaded fuel is readily available (EPPCO, EMARAT and ADNOC all sell unleaded petrol). Or, they believe their vehicles, if without converters, cannot run on unleaded petrol; that this fuel may damage their cars. Again, maybe they are unwilling to spend that extra buck for lead-free air! (Unleaded fuel is marginally more expensive at present). In all probability, most are unaware of the hazards of lead, especially on children; or think that these are calamitous prophecies, too far fetched and unreal. Not true! What is worrying is news that lead levels in some parts of Dubai touched the internationally permitted contents of the metal in air. Atmospheric lead content recorded in 1998 was 0.9 micrograms per cubic metre, when the international pollution standards adopted in Dubai do not allow the concentration of lead to exceed 1 microgram per cubic metre for more than three months in a year.

Available in the market, are quite a few cars that come equipped with catalytic converters and other low-emission devices. Buyers need to specifically inquire about these. While purchasing a car, its fuel efficiency and emission control systems need to be given far greater importance than they are at present. Unleaded petrol, available in Dubai since 1992 (and also available in other emirates) can be used by most modern cars, especially those made since 1980, whether or not they are fitted with catalytic converters. Both EPPCO and EMARAT have brought out information manuals on unleaded fuel, and EMARAT has even compiled a complete list of cars in the UAE that can use it. They do advise, however, that the local distributor and car manual be checked for any minor adjustments that may be required.

How much pollution a car produces depends on: whether a catalytic converter is fitted; whether unleaded fuel is being used; the speed at which the car is driven (see table); its fuel efficiency and load; tyre pressure and tyre wear, which affect fuel mileage and emissions; and how the car is maintained - dirty oil, dirty air filter, worn out spark plugs, all result in extra fumes from the tail pipe. These can be avoided by following the car's maintenance schedule and using the services of a good, competent workshop.

SPEED IMPACTS THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION A CAR PRODUCES
CARBON MONOXIDE				NITROGEN OXIDES
Without catalytic converter		With catalytic converter		Without catalytic converter		With catalytic converter
Speed (kilo-metres per hour)	Emissions (grammes per kilo-metre)	Speed (kilo-metres per hour)	Emissions (grammes per kilo-metre)	Speed (kilo-metres per hour)	Emissions (grammes per kilo-metre)	Speed (kilo-metres per hour)	Emissions (grammes per kilo-metre)
20	16	20	4	20	2.5	20	0.3
30	13	30	3.5	30	2.3	30	0.3
40	8	40	3	40	2.0	40	0.3
50	6	50	3	50	2.0	50	0.3
60	5	60	3	60	2.3	60	0.3
70	4	70	3	70	2.5	70	0.3
80	4	80	3	80	2.7	80	0.3
90	4	90	3	90	3.0	90	0.3
100	5	100	3.5	100	3.2	100	0.3
110	6	110	3.5			110	0.3
120	7	120	3.5			120	0.3
(Source: Investigating Air Pollution, Friends of the Earth, 1992, London.)

So what do we do?

Wait for unleaded petrol to be subsidised before we start using it instead of leaded fuel? Or switch right away and keep lead emissions out of our car exhaust? Wait for a law that makes the fitting of catalytic converters compulsory in all cars? Or (if we really must buy a car) make sure that it be fitted with a catalytic converter, whether or not this is mandatory? We bother about the stylish looks of a car, its engine size, it acceleration and pulling power, its safety devices, gadgetry and other conveniences. Why not its emissions control capability? That's a safety feature too! It is, after all, our own environment and our own well being that should concern us.

LEAD POISONING Why leaded fuel was phased out: the USA experience

Lead and lead compounds can be highly toxic when inhaled or ingested. Most vulnerable are pre-school age children. So are (unborn) foetuses, as studies in the United States have shown (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry document, 1988: The Nature and Extent of Lead Poisoning in Children in the US: A Report to Congress). Particles of lead enter the atmosphere from these main sources: leaded fuel, lead in paint, industrial and occupational or hobby sources (lead-glazed pottery, stained glass working). They get deposited on soil and penetrate it, or hang around as dust. Thus, soil and dust act as pathways to children for lead exposure. With constant exposure, lead accumulates gradually in the body (its rate of excretion is even slower), getting absorbed by the red blood cells, circulating through the body, and concentrating in soft tissues - liver, kidneys, bone marrow and brain. Lead can cause lesions in the central nervous system, resulting in children (and unborn foetuses) having a lowered IQ, a shortened attention span, hyperactivity, hearing damage and various behaviour disorders. Worse still, there is evidence that these disorders may persist even after lead levels in blood have returned to normal. Because they do not dissipate, biodegrade or decay, the deposited particles become a long-term source of lead exposure for children. For example, although lead emissions from fuel have largely been eliminated in the United States, an estimated 4-5 million metric tonnes of lead previously used in petrol, remain in dust and soil, and children continue to be exposed to it. In the USA, Dr. Herbert Needleman published his pioneering research on lead toxicity in children in 1979. This instigated government regulations that phased out leaded petrol and lead-based solder. These are the primary reasons that, between 1976 and 1992, the percentage of children (ages 1-5 years) with lead levels above the maximum permissible level dropped from 85% to 6% for white children, and from 98% to 21% for black children, preventing at least 9 million childhood lead poisonings.

HOW AUTOMOBILE POLLUTANTS AFFECT US

Carbon monoxide: circulatory system becomes less efficient. Less oxygen can be absorbed from the lungs causing drowsiness, slow reflexes and loss of concentration. Fatal in high doses. Sulphur Dioxide (from diesel only, not petrol): damages the breathing system and causes irritation to the linings of nose and throat. Nitrogen oxides: May effect the immune system. Evidence of increased vulnerability to viral infection. Nitrogen oxide causes bronchoconstriction, and a feeling in the victim of chest tightness. Low-level ozone (harmful gas caused by chemical reactions occurring between different pollutants. On sunny days, nitrogen oxides react with hydrocarbons to form ozone in a photochemical smog): high concentrations severely damage lung tissue and impair defence against infections. Lower concentrations cause coughing, impaired lung function, eye nose and throat irritation and headaches, particularly in people who exercise. Aggravates asthma and bronchitis. Airborne particulates: Pass into the breathing system. These small particles carry dangerous compounds, many of which are carcinogenic. The larger particles are caught in the nose, throat, wind-pipe, causing irritation and coughing. Particles can remain in the lungs for a long time.

LOCAL NEWS Air pollution conference, Dubai The issues of car emissions and the non-use of unleaded fuel are being taken seriously in the UAE because a very high proportion of air pollution is due to vehicle exhaust. These were discussed in depth at a conference on ''Dangers of Environmental Pollution Caused by Vehicles'' at the Dubai Police Officers Club on 28 May '99. The conference recommendations are: To enforce the decree issued by GCC countries regarding the fast implementation of unleaded petrol (ULP) in GCC countries and the reduction of sulphur content in diesel, the following measures should be adopted: Co-operation and dialogue between neighbouring states should be reinforced since air pollution knows no boundaries. Forcing the oil companies to introduce the use of ULP with prices equal or less than the leaded petrol. All the car agencies should be forced to have all the modifications (use of catalytic converters) to accept ULP. Vehicle workshops have to respond to the inspection standards by upgrading their skills and diagnostic or test equipment. A comprehensive management approach should be adopted for the development of air quality and emission standards. Appropriate regulatory policies to control vehicle emissions can be adopted. The following are some areas to be considered: Vehicle population should be controlled. Reduced vehicle usage and public transportation system should be promoted. Periodic inspection programmes have to be implemented. Usage of cleaner vehicles (electric or solar powered vehicles) and fuels. INTERNATIONAL NEWS Green autos: the response to burgeoning automobile pollution A World Health Organisation (WHO) study presented at the Third Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development (London, June '99) shows that road traffic is the most rapidly growing source of pollution in Europe, with more people dying as a result of air pollution than on account of accidents. Car exhaust is causing a rise in respiratory conditions, heart disease, bronchitis and asthma. The pollution problem is said to be particularly serious in East and Central Europe. According to a new government-funded study, long-term air pollution from cars lead to 21,000 premature deaths per year from respiratory or heart diseases - more than the total number of annual traffic deaths - in Austria, France and Switzerland. The study also found that each year, air pollution from road traffic in the three countries causes 300,000 extra cases of bronchitis in children, plus 15,000 hospital admissions for heart disease. Health impacts of air pollution from traffic is by no means restricted to these places. It is a global problem (covering countries in both the developed and less-developed world) that is spawning a new generation of environment-friendly cars. Here are some instances. Saudi Arabia, which has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, is developing a solar-powered car. A two-seater prototype is being tested. In India, Delhi Transport Corporation launched its first 'green bus' that runs on compressed natural gas. Britain's drivers of small cars started getting a tax break starting 1st June, '99, to encourage the use of fuel-efficient cars. From autumn 2000, owners of new cars will pay taxes according to their car's rate of emissions. In Japan, an 'aero train' powered by solar panels and power-generating windmills running along the track has been developed. A prototype is being tested. In Australia, a new generation of eco-friendly cars, powered by a combination of electricity and petrol, will go on sale by the year 2000. Japanese car makers, Toyota and Honda claim that their hybrid petrol-electric cars cut down pollution and save money, with fuel efficiency as low as 2.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Hybrid cars are seen as one step towards zero pollution cars. Vehicles that use a fuel cell to transform petrol into hydrogen and then into electricity to produce power are now being developed the world over. Their only by-product is water. Cell cars are expected to be on sale by the year 2005.

WHAT ON EARTH CAN WE DO? When buying a car, consider getting one with a 3-way catalytic converter. This will reduce its emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons by 90%…. (In a dual bed [two-way] converter system, the exhaust gases are first reduced so as to eliminate the oxides of nitrogen; then they are oxidised with added air to eliminate carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. A three-way catalytic converter is more advanced because here, instead of in steps, all pollutants are reduced simultaneously with the help of individual catalysts.) Or better still, remember: bicycles, public transport and our own two feet are far kinder to the environment.

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