Murky Results for Ethanol Emissions

An environmental engineer from Stanford University using computer modeling software, has compared US air pollution levels in 2020 produced by gasoline fueled-vehicles vs. a fleet that burns an ethanol/gasoline blend of 85/15.

The study indicates that ethanol could potentially add more smog-forming pollutants to the atmosphere than gasoline, by increasing hydrocarbons by 22 percent. This would increase surface ozone, as well as ozone-related deaths. Currently 4,700 people die yearly from respiratory problems related to smog. According to the study, 200 more people would die each year if ethanol use was increased.

In the study published in Environmental Science & Technology, Stanford engineer Mark Jacobson writes: “Due to its ozone effects, future E85 may be a greater overall public health risk than gasoline. It can be concluded with confidence only that E85 is unlikely to improve air quality over future gasoline vehicles."

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Scientific American
Environmental Science and Technology
Environmental and Urban Economics

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