Gasoline is a transparent liquid made from petroleum. It contains over 100 chemicals, such as benzene, ethyl benzene, and toluene. All of these chemicals are toxic and have very negative effects on the environment. The amount of these chemicals in gasoline is pretty small, though. Mostly, gasoline consists of hydrocarbons, with paraffins, olefins and cycloalkanes as the most present components.
The use of gasoline in vehicles with internal combustion engines leads to air pollution, creates smog and damages the ozone layer. When gasoline is burnt in car engines, toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, are created and released into the environment. The carbon dioxide that is released has very serious negative impact on the environment. The result is severe climate changes, such as increasing average temperatures, rising sea levels, and polluted air.
How gasoline affects a car’s performances depends on the gasoline brand and different gasoline mixtures. The gasoline quality plays a major role in how the engine performs, and fuel efficiency is also affected by it. Gasoline octane is also a factor, which is why it’s important not to exceed the car manufacturer’s octane recommendations.
There are also numerous negative effects on human health. If you inhale even small amounts of gasoline vapors, it can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness.