Despite the stress and frustrations associated with doing business and living in the capital, residents have to contend with another worrying situation which seems never to go. This is the situation whereby dangerous fumes and smoke are emitted from some vehicles that run on the roads in the capital. Many in Accra have to undergo the agony of suffocating under the bludgeoning gas that is emitted from these cars, adding to their discomfort.

City dwellers are increasingly being exposed to the danger of large amounts of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere in recent times. Carbon monoxide emission from automobiles takes the lives of many people and additionally inflicts incalculable damage on the environment, according to environmentalists. The police and environmental protection officials have however been reluctant in enforcing the law to curb this growing phenomenon even though it has been a glaring situation which has existed fro a very long time.

Carbon monoxide is a chemical asphyxiate, which if inhaled in sufficient concentration, could be very fatal, according to scientific literature review. Approximately 80 per cent to 90 per cent of inhaled carbon monoxide binds with the haemoglobin in blood cells to result in acute reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

This hazardous substance gives no noticeable indication of its presence in the air. Even though it is a greenhouse gas, it influences environmental chemistry. According to research material, carbon monoxide emitted by diesel cars at low concentrations, causes fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. In higher concentrations, it impairs vision, causes headaches and dizziness. It destabilises people as well as makes some develop nausea.

Research has proved that diesel exhaust contains thousands of gaseous substances that impact negatively on the skin and makes it unpleasant. Gaseous particles can penetrate into the deep regions of the lungs, where, if retained, can possibly affect certain biological activities in humans.

Inhabitants of the nation?s capital will be looking forward for appropriate action to be taken in order to reduce their exposure to health hazards associated with this rising trend.