Sources of pollution
Carbon monoxide from motor vehicles
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced mainly through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. The main source of CO in the Auckland region is motor vehicles (about 80%).Inefficient car use - more pollution
The amount of CO produced by our cars increases when the engine isn't working efficiently or is idling, so congested traffic produces much more CO pollution than free flowing traffic. Engines also produce much more CO when they are running cold (about the first 3km of the trip).
Carbon monoxide in Auckland
The chart below shows how the concentration of carbon monoxide varies throughout a typical day at a peak traffic site. There are peaks during morning and evening rush hours. CO dissipates fairly quickly in the atmosphere, so is generally only at high levels close to busy roadways or in areas where traffic emissions accumulate.
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