Ma. Darbool et al., CARBON-MONOXIDE EXPOSURE FROM MOTOR-VEHICLES IN UNITED-ARAB-EMIRATES, Journal of environmental science and health. Part A: Environmental science and engineering, 32(2), 1997, pp. 311-321
The aim of this study was to measure the carbon monoxide emission from
motor vehicle exhaust in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This survey was
conducted during September and December 1995 and performed on 148 cars
selected. randomly from three locations A specifically designed quest
ionnaire was used to collect information on the model of the car, year
of manufacture, size of the car; type of fuel used, information on ma
intenance schedule and car usage each day in terms of mileage. Drager
tubes were used to estimate the amount of carbon monoxide, butane, pro
pane and water vapor released by the car. 69.5% of the cars were Japan
ese, 74.3% of the cars were 1-5 years old. 81% of the car were small s
ize car 85.8% used special fuel and 51.4% had regular maintenance for
their cars. Furthermore, 52% of the car had four cylinder engine capac
ity, 26.4% had eight cylinder, 13.5% 6 cylinder and 8.1% had 12 cylind
er size engine. Furthermore, 52% of the car had 4 cylinder engine capa
city, 26.4% 8 cylinder, 13.5% 6 cylinder and 8.1% had 12 cylinder size
engine. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that t
he age or model of car (p<0.01); size of car (p<0.0001); number of cyl
inder in car (p<0.0001); type of fuel used (p<0.027 had statistically
significant influence on the amount and concentration of carbon monoxi
de. But car service or maintenance did not show any significant effect
(p=0.258) In conclusion, carbon monoxide exposure from motor vehicle
exhaust seems as a major source of pollution in Al-Ain, UAE. No cars a
re manufactured in UAE and no regulations as regards to the emission o
n imported cars are being enforced at the moment. This survey will lea
d to setup emission standards and to recommend some criteria for preve
ntion of undesired motor vehicle pollution episodes.