Automobiles and small engines

Gasoline-powered motors used in and around the home include automobiles, off-the-road vehicles, lawn mowers, electrical generators, boat motors, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and snow blowers. In addition to gasoline, these machines have many other toxic chemical containing products associated with their use. A representative list of these are listed in Table 11.3. 

Antifreeze Battery acid Brake fluid Cleaning compounds Gasoline Motor oil 

Power steering fluid Transmission fluid Waxes 

A partial list of the chemicals contained in these products is given in Table 11.4. 

Most of the chemicals listed produce vapors that target the respiratory system and the CNS. All are dangerous if ingested and all are irritating or corrosive to dermal and eye tissues. Mixtures of either alkalis or acids with lipophilic solvents (e.g., toluene, aliphatic hydrocarbons) produce enhanced burn effects. Skin and eyes exposed to chemicals that can burn 

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Table 11.4 Partial List of Toxic Chemicals Contained in Automobile and Small Engine Products...

Small engines may incorporate the fuel cell as a power source. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in a way that generates electricity, which drives a motor. Leading automobile manufacturers have already developed fuel-cell vehicles. 

Move the eatalyst eloser to the engine. There is not much space to install a small catalyst bed in modem automobiles, and there are additional problems associated with the selection of a catalyst with sufficient thermal stability to operate at temperatures close to 1000°C. Catalysts derived from palladium may have the required thermal properties, but this approach is not favoured by the industry. 

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