THE DAILY NEWS

5th Feb 2014

Worlds favourite newspaper

since 1879

CONSEQUENCE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

It is perhaps a common misconception that vehicles nowadays are the main cause for worldwide air pollution due to the gas emitted from cars. Dr David Lincoln, a professor of Social
Science at the University of Oxford explains that the catalytic converter, a converter required by law to be installed in all vehicles since 1992, has reduced overall greenhouse gas
emissions to shocking figures.
Regulations by government
Since 1992, it is strictly required by law, specifically Regulation 61, 61a Motor Vehicles, that every vehicle must have a catalytic
converter fitted. This is to ensure that the emissions from the cars are not too high.
How does it work?
As harmful gases, e.g. carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides enter the catalytic converter, they enter through a honeycomb structure that is coated in platinum, rhodium and/or
palladium. Due to the precious metals and high temperatures, these chemical elements form a reaction that converts the harmful gases into nitrogen gas (N2), of which 78% of the air
comprises of, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour (H2O).
Statistics
Many believe that the cause for global warming is strictly from the emissions of cars. True, there are millions of vehicles emitting gas
everyday all around the world. However, statistics from referring to the annual world greenhouse gas emissions, emissions from
transportation is in fact, in third place, with a percentage of 14.4%, closely behind industrial and emissions from production of electricity and
heat.
Professionals Advice
Dr David Lincoln, a professor of Social Science explained that many are unaware of the catalytic converters in engines. Those who know of
it do not understand the very importance of it. It is true that more fuel with the installation is consumed than in a lean-burn engine. There are
also many reports of theft of converters due to its high value with precious metals. However, the effect of installation is astonishing, quoting a
shocking cut in pollution by more than 10 billion tons just in the U.S.
Many dont see the point of the installation of catalytic converters. As above statistics and professional input have proven, professors have explained that cause of emissions of greenhouse
gas is mainly from production of electricity and heat; the importance of catalytic converters is also emphasised; it is therefore a wise decision to install the catalytic converters for the
better health of people and of the Earth.