Across the United States, gas cars contribute to around 55% of particle pollution (on average.) This percentage is even higher in countries like China and India.

While you might know about cars and greenhouse gasses such as carbon monoxide, another major pollutant that cars release is a particle called PM10. PM10 is any particle matter that is 10 micrometers or less!

When PM10 is inhaled, it can irritate the respiratory tract, resulting in a multitude of health issues, particularly if one already has a history of respiratory problems.

PM10 is also majority of what makes up the air pollution-- smog, that is-- that plagues our cities. PM10s take the form of smoke, soot, etc.

Eletrical cars, however, create far less PM10s because they have no emissions from their tailpipes. Some people argue that because EVs are heavier, they release more particles from tire and brake wear, but that difference is marginal when compared to gas cars.

Aside from the greenhouse gas problem, this is another reason why making the switch from a majority gas vehicle city to a majority eletrical vehicle city is so important!

Learn more about the work King County is doing to switch their buses and public transportation from gas to eletrical by clicking on this link!

Go to the next page here!