Cars are one of the highest contributors to air pollution, if not the highest when taking in to account their manufacturing and production, usage, and disposal.

The main pollutants when driving are mainly carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons and fine particles.

Various factors can affect the amount of pollution produced by a car including

• The age of the car
• The type of engine in the car
• How well the car is maintained
• The way the car is driven
• Driving conditions

Further information about cars and air pollution can be found from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) website, http://www.seai.ie (Opens in new window).

For specific information about cars and air pollution from SEAI:
http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/Getting_Around/HCIYC/Air_Pollution/ (Opens in new window).