How much carbon monoxide does an average car give off a day?

An idling car, such as when stuck in traffic, can emit up to 200 grams (g) of carbon monoxide (CO) per hour. However, this number can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the model and age of the vehicle, the fuel efficiency, the emission control systems in place, and the driving conditions.

For a better understanding, here are the average carbon monoxide emissions per mile for different types of vehicles:

1. Gasoline-powered vehicles: 27 grams of CO per mile

2. Diesel-powered vehicles: 5 grams of CO per mile

3. Hybrid vehicles: 3 grams of CO per mile

4. Electric vehicles: 0 grams of CO per mile

To calculate the daily carbon monoxide emissions of an average car, we need to consider the typical distance traveled per day. Let's assume an average daily commute of 20 miles for a gasoline-powered vehicle:

Daily carbon monoxide emission = 27 grams/mile * 20 miles/day

= 540 grams of CO per day

So, on average, a typical gasoline-powered car can give off around 540 grams of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere every day.

Reducing CO emissions is essential for improving air quality, as high CO concentrations can cause adverse effects on human health, such as headaches, impaired coordination, fatigue, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to maintain vehicles properly, use them efficiently, and choose less polluting transportation options whenever possible.