Diesel engines emit a variety of pollutants into the air, including:
* Particulate matter (PM): PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
* Nitrogen oxides (NOx): NOx are gases that can cause respiratory problems, smog, and acid rain.
* Sulfur oxides (SOx): SOx are gases that can cause respiratory problems, acid rain, and damage to plants and animals.
* Carbon monoxide (CO): CO is a gas that can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and even death.
* Hydrocarbons (HC): HC are gases that can contribute to smog and ozone formation.
Water pollution
Diesel fuel can also pollute water sources. Diesel fuel can spill into water from tanker trucks, pipelines, and storage tanks. Diesel fuel can also be washed off of roads and parking lots by stormwater runoff. When diesel fuel enters water sources, it can contaminate drinking water, harm aquatic life, and damage ecosystems.
Soil pollution
Diesel fuel can also pollute soil. Diesel fuel can spill onto soil from tanker trucks, pipelines, and storage tanks. Diesel fuel can also be tracked onto soil by vehicles and equipment. When diesel fuel enters soil, it can contaminate groundwater, harm plants, and damage ecosystems.
Climate change
Diesel engines emit greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the planet to warm. Diesel engines emit carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), all of which are greenhouse gases.
