Sources of pollution
Diesel vehicles
Why is diesel harmful?
Diesel engines produce high levels of fine particles (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), especially if they are not properly tuned. A typical diesel car produces more than 20 times as many particles as a typical petrol car. Diesel particles are carcinogenic (cancer causing). The levels of SO2 produced depend on the amount of sulphur in the fuel.
Increase in diesel use
The amount of particles produced by motor vehicles, especially diesel vehicles, is increasing. The sale of diesel in the region has more than doubled over the last 10 years and is increasing at a much greater rate than the sale of petrol.
82% of human health effects in the Auckland region come from diesel vehicles. The pie chart shows the relative contribution different types of vehicles make to air pollution.
Increase in petrol use
Since 1990, petrol and diesel sales have increased by about 70%. This means that emissions from cars have also risen by about 70%. If fuel consumption continues to increase, the air quality in Auckland will get worse.
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