CO or CO2, that is the question...
September 1, 2008 5:21 AM Subscribe
What would happen if we banned Catalytic Converters?
As I understand it (from wiki), for a cat to run they need the engine to run fuel rich. They then turn CO + O2 into CO2 and unburnt hydrocarbons into CO2 + water.
When we're failing to curb our CO2 emissions this sounds like a bad idea (especially when it means reduced fuel efficiency), but I assume there must be a logical reason to do it.
What would happen to the environment (both local and global) if we decided to accept the CO hit instead of the CO2 one?
As I understand it (from wiki), for a cat to run they need the engine to run fuel rich. They then turn CO + O2 into CO2 and unburnt hydrocarbons into CO2 + water.
When we're failing to curb our CO2 emissions this sounds like a bad idea (especially when it means reduced fuel efficiency), but I assume there must be a logical reason to do it.
What would happen to the environment (both local and global) if we decided to accept the CO hit instead of the CO2 one?
This post was deleted for the following reason: poster's request -- jessamyn
When we're failing to curb our CO2 emissions this sounds like a bad idea (especially when it means reduced fuel efficiency)
posted by twine42
You are dumb. CO is Carbon Monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless yet highly toxic gas. CO2 is Carbon Dioxide, which is the byproduct of all breathing done by every animal on earth. Read a book.
posted by parmanparman at 5:51 AM on September 1, 2008
posted by twine42
You are dumb. CO is Carbon Monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless yet highly toxic gas. CO2 is Carbon Dioxide, which is the byproduct of all breathing done by every animal on earth. Read a book.
posted by parmanparman at 5:51 AM on September 1, 2008
CO, apart from being toxic, also indirectly contributes to the greenhouse effect.
posted by swordfishtrombones at 5:57 AM on September 1, 2008
posted by swordfishtrombones at 5:57 AM on September 1, 2008
Response by poster: parmanparman - thanks for your expert input.
Yeah, I know that carbon monoxide kills. As does water. And sugar. I know that carbon dioxide comes out of my mouth. I also know that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.
What I don't know is how the comparable quantities of the different carbon molecules effect us and our environment.
Now stop being a cock and leave the grown ups to play.
posted by twine42 at 5:59 AM on September 1, 2008
Yeah, I know that carbon monoxide kills. As does water. And sugar. I know that carbon dioxide comes out of my mouth. I also know that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.
What I don't know is how the comparable quantities of the different carbon molecules effect us and our environment.
Now stop being a cock and leave the grown ups to play.
posted by twine42 at 5:59 AM on September 1, 2008
Aside from being poisonous, CO eventually turns into CO2 in the atmosphere, plus it is a greenhouse gas itself, plus it apparently causes increased levels of ground-level ozone, another poisonous gas.
In addition, catalytic converters reduce NOx emissions. NOx is also a greenhouse gas and is a major component of acid rain.
If you want to think of a world without catalytic converters, think LA in the 70s.
posted by dirigibleman at 6:01 AM on September 1, 2008
In addition, catalytic converters reduce NOx emissions. NOx is also a greenhouse gas and is a major component of acid rain.
If you want to think of a world without catalytic converters, think LA in the 70s.
posted by dirigibleman at 6:01 AM on September 1, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Talez at 5:39 AM on September 1, 2008