Scandal over cheating emissions tests led many to wonder how many deaths may have been caused,but such calculations are riddled with uncertainties In September 2015, the US Environmental Protection Agency revealed that Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles sold between 2009 and 2015 were emitting up to 40 times the official limit of nitrogen oxides (NOx). It said the vehicles had been fitted with “defeat devices” that lowered NOx outputs to meet standards only during emissions testing, and which meant affected vehicles may have been contributing excess NOx to the atmosphere for up to seven years.
Through chemical reactions with other ambient pollutants,NOx can form pollutants that are harmful to health, including nitrogen dioxide, and ozone,and particles such as ammonium nitrate that contribute to particulate matter (PM) air pollution. The excess NOx pollution attributable to the defeat devices is likely to have led to increased ambient pollution, which subsequently may have affected human health. Related: VW says CO2 emissions irregularities affect fewer cars than feared Related: VW scandal pushes diesel cars into the late lane Related: Volkswagen takes €20bn loan as emissions crisis deepens Related: VW to release fix for cars affected by emissions scandal, and says chief executive Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com