- when hydrocarbon fuels are burnt in plenty of air, the carbon and hydrogen in the fuel are completely oxidised. They produce carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) and water.
- sulfur impurities in fuels burn to form sulfur dioxide, which can cause acid rain. Sulfur can be removed from fuels before they are burned, or sulfur dioxide can be removed from flue gas.
- changing the conditions in which hydrocarbon fuels are burnt can change the products made.
- in insufficient oxygen, poisonous carbon monoxide gas is formed. Particulates of carbon (soot) and unburnt hydrocarbons can also be produced, especially if the fuel is diesel. They can cause global dimming.
- at the high temperatures in engines, nitrogen from the air reacts with oxygen to form oxides of nitroge. These cause breathing problems and can also cause acid rain.
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