Smog created directly by the emission of chemical vapors into the atmosphere is referred to as photochemical smog. Over the years, photochemical smog has been influenced by many changing factors. Most recently, with the increasing use of ethanol-based gasoline, formaldehyde emissions are on the rise.
A good rule of thumb is that the indoor concentration of formaldehyde is often twice that of the outside concentration. Indoor air must be cleansed with a high quality air cleaner to remove harmful contamination. An activated carbon-based, High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) air purifier is one of the best choices for removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), like formaldehyde. Removing VOCs from the air reduces health risks.
Photochemical Smog
Primary pollutants are pollutants emitted directly into the atmosphere. These pollutants interact in the atmosphere with each other to create other pollutants, called secondary pollutants. Photochemical smog is a pollution problem caused by secondary pollutants. When exposed to sunlight, ozone and other secondary pollutants are formed. Motor vehicles, forest fires, industry, and manufacturing operations are typically the major polluting sources. They emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and others gases.
Ethanol is an alcohol derived from renewable sources that are fermenting and distilling into simple sugars. Ethyl alcohol used in gasoline mixes is a denatured liquid not fit for human consumption, but considered a great additive in gasoline. Ethyl alcohol prevents air pollution emissions like carbon monoxide as an oxygen booster and extends gasoline use.
Oxygen-Based Fuel Use Increases Atmospheric Formaldehyde Levels
Pure gasoline fuels used in motor vehicles emit formaldehyde. Testing has revealed that ethanol-based gasoline not only reduces many air pollutants emissions, but also substantially increases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde by 15% - 75%. One Denver study measured maximum four-hour formaldehyde concentrations as high as 50 parts per billion. The EPA notes that there are reports of dizziness, headache, apathy, inability to concentrate, and sleep disorder due to formaldehyde. In the past, the EPA has estimated that 10% - 20% of the US population could be hypersensitive to this gas and therefore, more susceptible to formaldehyde's negative health effects.
Smog Facts
- Smog is a mixture of fog and smoke particles that combine with matter such as carbon monoxide, ozone, Volatile Organic Compounds, (VOCs), hydro carbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxide, etc.
- Photochemical smog has higher concentrations of VOCs, hydrocarbons and ozone.
- All smog is heavily linked to transportation (exhaust from cars and trucks).
- Smog is particularly dense when static air masses enable the accumulation of pollutants, called thermal inversion.
- Studies find that the number of deaths among susceptible persons (respiratory and cardiovascular problems) grow sharply during thermal inversions.
- Acid rains and greenhouse effects are highly associated with smog.
- The breakdown products of formaldehyde are formic acid and carbon monoxide.
- Smog is a major source of formaldehyde exposure.
- Formaldehyde is a major toxic component of photochemical smog.
- Ethanol is increasingly being used in gasoline and diesel.
Effects of Formaldehyde Smog
Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, is toxic to the lining of the lungs. In the presence of heat that gets trapped in urban areas, as little as a 7 degrees Fahrenheit difference between rural and urban areas can make smog particularly lethal.
Formaldehyde is a chemical that is toxic and potentially can cause cancer and other health problems. One of the most common symptoms associated with ozone exposure and the presence of formaldehyde is chest tightness, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. It is worse for asthma or other chronic lung disease sufferers, young and elderly.
Conclusion
With the increased use of ethanol in automobile fuels we may expect that there will be an increase of formaldehyde released into the atmosphere that integrates into smog. This increase may create more health problems that need to addressed in the home with air purifiers.
Use an air purifier to clean your home of formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds. This kind of air cleaner will reduce the exposure to hazardous gases.
