Exhaust gases & their effects on the air in homes

Monster truck show in Hamburg had to be canceled due to increased exhaust emissions

Huge trucks race over ramps, roll over and let their engines roar. At the "Monster Jam" event, the drivers really step on the gas pedal and the trucks blow a lot of exhaust fumes through the exhaust pipe, which collect in the air. This was also the case in Hamburg's Barclays Arena. In the closed hall, the exhaust fumes collected to form a greatly increased concentration of carbon monoxide.

Initially, the organizers detected increased exhaust fumes using their own measuring devices and paused the show. Later, the fire department received an alarm due to the increased traffic pollutants and the show was stopped. Several children watching the show showed symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. One six-year-old child even required medical treatment in hospital.

What are exhaust gases?

Traffic exhaust gases are emissions caused by vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and airplanes. These exhaust gases are mainly produced by the combustion process of fuels in engines and contain various pollutants that are released into the atmosphere. The problem with many exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide, is that the gases are tasteless and odorless and in extreme cases can lead to death.

What pollutants are in car exhaust fumes?

Typical traffic exhaust gases include

Carbon monoxide (CO)

The colorless and odorless gas is produced by incomplete combustion and is poisonous. Carbon monoxide occupies the binding sites for vital oxygen in the blood. The body can therefore absorb or transport less oxygen and suffers from carbon monoxide poisoning. Depending on the level of the air pollutant, this poisoning can lead to chronic diseases of the heart and nerves in the long term or even be fatal.

Hydrocarbons (HC)

These are also produced by incomplete combustion and include a range of organic compounds that can contribute to air pollution.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Nitrogen oxides such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are strong respiratory toxins and are produced at high combustion temperatures. They contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and acid rain. Even low concentrations cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes in sensitive people. 100 ppm of the gas is fatal after one hour. Acute poisoning is accompanied by initial dizziness and headaches, and pulmonary edema can lead to death even days later.

particulates

With particulates are small solid particles resulting from the combustion of fuels or from the abrasion of tires, brake pads and road surfaces. In addition to organic components such as soot from tire and tar particles, inorganic components such as ammonium, nitrate and sulphate salts as well as metals and their oxides are deposited on the particulate matter particles. The fine particles can have serious effects on air quality and health.

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)

SO₂ is produced during the combustion of sulphur-containing fuels such as diesel and, like nitrogen oxides, contributes to the formation of acid rain. Even low concentrations of this highly irritating gas can cause acute symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and inflammation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

When fossil fuels are burned, the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide is released. It is a factor that drives climate change. The reason for this is that the gas forms a greenhouse effect in the earth's atmosphere. This prevents heat from escaping into space. This increases the greenhouse effect and the temperature on earth rises.

Nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulates are the main substances found in exhaust gases. However, factory exhaust gases such as hydrogen sulphide are also contained in vehicle exhaust gases.

What symptoms indicate CO poisoning?

The symptoms of CO poisoning can vary depending on the severity of the exposure. Common signs and symptoms includeheadaches, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, confusion and memory problems, muscle weakness, visual disturbances and even fainting.

As the symptoms are non-specific, the symptoms of CO poisoning can easily be confused with other illnesses. However, if several people in a room show similar symptoms or if they develop suddenly, this could be an indication of CO exposure. The elevated levels can either come from road traffic or from a faulty stove or boiler.

How can you measure exhaust fumes in the home?

Traffic exhaust fumes enter homes in various ways, especially in urban areas with dense traffic: for example, through open or leaking windows and doors, ventilation systems, leaks and cracks in masonry, shared building ventilation shafts in apartment buildings or proximity to garages and parking lots. Pollutants can also adhere to shoes and clothing and thus be carried into the home.

To find out how high the level of exhaust gases in your indoor air is, you should measure the exhaust gas content. With an air measuring device such as the air-Q, you can check the room air and detect pollutants in real time. The air measuring device can therefore be used as an early warning system. If measured values rise above the recommended limit value, the air-Q indicates this using an intuitive LED traffic light display. The measuring device also sends push notifications to your smartphone so that you are informed of increased pollutant levels even when you are not on site.

What to do if there are too many traffic fumes in the home?

To minimize exposure to traffic exhaust fumes in the home, we recommend the following measures:

Avoid airing the room at peak traffic times, especially in densely populated or busy areas.
Check the air quality in your rooms with an air measuring device such as the air-Q and ventilate as required - i.e. when the air-Q recommends an air exchange.
Use effective air filters in ventilation systems or air conditioning systems.
Seal leaks and cracks in windows and doors to minimize the unwanted ingress of outside air or traffic fumes.
Avoid parking or leaving vehicles with the engine running for long periods in the immediate vicinity of residential units.
Pay attention to possible symptoms of CO exposure. If you suspect CO poisoning, leave the premises immediately and seek medical help.