(January Post) Unexpected Side Effect to Cleaning Up Urban Air Discovered

In the United States, efforts to reduce air pollution have led to cleaner air and improvements in public health.  These efforts have been aimed to reduce nitric oxide and hydrocarbon pollutants from the air. Nitric oxide is a compound emitted from engines and coal power plants.  On the other hand, hydrocarbons are emitted from sources like gas-powered cars and trucks, solvents and cleaners.  Regulations for newer and more eco-friendly cars have greatly decreased the amount of nitric oxide in urban areas, whereas regulations targeted to reduce hydrocarbon levels are progressing at a slower rate.  This imbalance of the decreasing compounds has led to the creation of chemicals called organic hydroperoxides.  Scientists have already concluded that breathing in these particles is bad for human health, but they do not know how hydroperoxides will impact public health over a long period of time.

This article is important because it illuminates something negative that is resulting from efforts targeted to reduce air pollution.  It seems to be a lose-lose situation.  At the same time, I wish a subsequent article will be published with more information on the potential health hazards of being exposed to hydroperoxides over a duration of time.  

Click here to learn more about the increased production of hydroperoxides.