lähtökaasu

Lähtökaasu refers to the exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine. These gases are the result of the combustion process, where fuel and air are burned within the engine cylinders. The composition of lähtökaasu varies depending on factors such as the type of fuel used, the engine's design, and its operating conditions. Key components typically include carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), nitrogen (N2), and smaller amounts of pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). In diesel engines, particulate matter (soot) is also a significant component.

The release of lähtökaasu into the atmosphere is a primary source of air pollution. The combustion process, while essential for powering vehicles and machinery, generates substances that can have negative environmental and health impacts. For instance, CO2 is a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, while NOx and particulate matter can impair respiratory health and contribute to smog formation. Modern vehicles are equipped with exhaust systems, including catalytic converters, to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants from lähtökaasu. These systems chemically transform many of the harmful components into less toxic substances before they are released into the environment.