Switching to ammonia fuel in shipping could damage human health: study

An MIT study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that switching maritime shipping fuel from diesel to ammonia could reduce carbon emissions, but poses significant health risks in relation to air quality. The combustion of ammonia produces nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), contributing to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes and asthma. The study estimates up to 600,000 additional premature deaths could be caused annually under current regulations through a switch to ammonia fuel. However, stricter controls and technology could reduce this number. The negative health impacts of ammonia fuel use would be most severe in East Asia. (Trans.Info)