How does automobile commuting in suburban areas contribute to air pollution?

Urban sprawl is characterized by low-density development that necessitates a high reliance on automobiles for daily activities, such as commuting to work or traveling to retail establishments. This dependence on gasoline-powered vehicles significantly contributes to air pollution in suburban areas.12

The combustion of fossil fuels by these vehicles releases primary pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions. These substances can combine with industrial pollutants to form photochemical smog, which degrades air quality. Furthermore, because suburban residents often travel longer distances to reach employment centers, the per capita energy consumption for transportation is higher in these low-density areas compared to high-density urban cores. This increased reliance on personal vehicles is a primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming.31