Stop Smogging Around

SMOG. A small word with a BIG effect. When I think smog I either think of industry fumes or automobile emissions. Cars and factories lead to smog, or a type of air pollution that directly affects us and our planet in the form of ozone.  The sources of ozone are Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) mixed with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and sunlight. NOx is produced during combustion from the reaction of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitric oxide (NO).  The temperature in automobiles and power plants is so high that it shifts to the products, forming these nitrogen oxides. The catalytic converter in automobiles is designed to eliminate NOx from exhaust stream. The problem with this is the lack of efficiency of the catalytic converter before the engine is completely warmed up, causing some NOx pollutant to be formed. These small solid or liquid phase particles suspended in gas, otherwise known as particulates, are also formed from this high-temperature combustion. The point of this "DIY Smog Check" experiment was to test the amount of nitrogen oxides and particulates emitted into the atmosphere as air pollution as a result of vehicle exhaust, which goes on to create ozone. The ozone that is created near the Earth’s surface in the troposphere is a major cause of negative health effects including harm to lung functions and the respiratory system, leading to lung cancer and asthma. Because of this it is important to understand the effect our cars have on our environment and it is crucial to keep up to the standards required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.