Hydrocarbons (HC) are compounds comprised of hydrogen and carbon, namely petroleum products and fuels. When hydrocarbons burn completely, they break down and combine with other elements, creating some dangerous (and not-so-dangerous) emissions gasses such as CO (carbon monoxide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide). Examples of hydrocarbon-based fuels include:
• Crude Oil
When these fuels are burned perfectly, they do NOT release excessive hydrocarbon emissions. If excessive amounts of hydrocarbons are present in exhaust gas, it’s a sign of an incomplete burn. Hydrocarbon emissions are toxic and contribute to smog, which is why we have regulations to limit their release. Additionally, inefficient combustion of hydrocarbons creates high
levels of several toxic compounds.