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New Technology Cuts Gas Engine Air Pollution

Did you know that every time you start your car, at least 80 percent of the gasoline injected into the engine blows through the car without doing a darn thing to power it? Where does it go? Out the tailpipe, as pollution.

And that’s on a warm day. On a cold day, it’s even worse. So two scientists at the University of Alabama set out to do something about it. They’ve come up with a new device that would help cure the problem, by separating high volatility components from the gasoline and storing them for use after the engine warms up and is able to use it.

The device is lightweight – just about five pounds – and would add only $100 to the cost of the car, researchers estimate. But don’t look for cars with the new device installed any time soon. The research was just published in September in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

There are other ways to reduce emissions from your car in the meantime.

• Don’t drive aggressively. Rapid acceleration burns excessive amounts of fuel and produces greater emissions.
• Combine trips to the store.
• Don’t leave the motor running while waiting in carpool lines or stand-still traffic.
• Buy a hybrid or fuel-efficient car.
• Walk, ride a bike or use public transportation when possible. You’ll get more exercise this way, too!

To see a copy of this study, click here.

For more information about this story, please visit http://www.physorg.com/news75569776.html. 

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org