5 Ways Junk Cars Negatively Impact the Environment

A major topic of discussion is the impact that the automobiles we drive has on our environment. The topic of global warming is a contentious one, but the impact that the emissions from our vehicles has on our atmosphere is undeniable.

While fully functional automobiles that are on the road, another type of vehicle – the idle junk car – is still a threat that has a negative impact on our environment.

Even if they sit idly in the driveway or in a junkyard, junk cars still pollute the environment and pose a hazard to both people and their immediate surroundings. Below you can read just some of the ways that older model and junk cars negatively impact our environment.

1. Cars, whether junk or brand new, produce Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which deplete the ozone layer. There are countless older model cars on their last leg that owners still use as their immediate means of transportation. So many people hold on to their vehicles until they conk out and die. What those people might not be aware of is that the engines in these older model junk cars produce a high volume of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases that are detrimental to the environment.
2. For those who believe in climate change and the impact that vehicles have on our planet, junk cars may also have an impact on our weather. Many countries are experiencing stronger storms and severe flooding while other parts of the world are facing extreme heat and drought. Extensive dry spells can cause water supplies to dry up and lack of water can lead to famine, hunger, and low power production from hydroelectric power plants. If you’re a believer in climate change, junk cars can have an impact far beyond the obvious, so disposing of the junk car in an eco-friendly manner is advisable.
3. Stationary junk vehicles still cause pollution. Engine fluids, such as brake fluid, engine oil, and coolants can leak from their containers and seep to the ground and even into water systems. These chemicals can pollute the soil and contaminate underground water supply. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to serious medical conditions.
4. Ground contaminated by car fluids poses serious threats to the plant and animal life, as well as to human life that surrounds the junk car.
5. Vehicle materials such tire rubber, plastic bumpers, and busted headlights are not easily biodegradable, so they linger. There are great alternative and recycled uses for these types of materials so they don’t end up rotting, leaking, and polluting such as turning them into unique art or furnishings.

Almost everyone agrees, junk cars cause adverse impact to the environment. This fact has spurred so many to call for proper disposal of junk cars in order to keep the environment safe. Proper disposal of cars reduces the amount of pollutants that contaminate the soil, air, and water and reduces the chances of people having health-related concerns that stem from inhalation of toxic gases as well as consuming contaminated water among others.