Volkswagen, you're not alone

Volkswagon, you're not alone

By Michael Albalah

A weekend warrior propitiates as a professional of a sort by weekday, and as an above average enthusiast by weekend. My new found appreciation for the mechanical horse, or the velocipede, has me reconsidering my transportation habits. From the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago to the West Loop, one must either take a train, bus, drive, walk, or, as I discovered, bike. I won't bore you with the analysis, but it begets a larger dilemma most of us face when we need to travel, what should we do versus what have we been doing?

I raise this personal pivot because the recent admission by Volkswagen that it knowingly deceived regulators to skirt air pollution standards brings to light a broader issue that Europe is currently addressing; the cleanliness of air. This is an issue Asia (I'm thinking about you China) is infamously facing as well. The biggest contributor to NO2 emissions in the European Union comes from it's cars, and diesel cars shoulder most of the blame (WSJ). According to Medscape, "NO2 is a mucous membrane irritant commonly associated with other toxic products of combustion. Symptoms most commonly range from mild cough and mucous membrane irritation to severe exacerbations of underlying pulmonary diseases like COPD or asthma and, in extreme cases, death. Suspect methemoglobinemia in patients exposed to NO2 who exhibit cyanosis or dyspnea. The initial absence of significant symptoms does not exclude a subsequent development of serious disease. Common symptoms are as follows: New or worsening cough and/or wheezing (most common), Eye, nose or throat irritation, Light-headedness or headache, Dyspnea (shortness of breath), Chest tightness, Choking, Chest pain, Diaphoresis (sweating). In addition, the following signs and symptoms may appear acutely or persist for days to weeks, and may indicate severe or worsening disease: Severe shortness of breath, Turning blue in the lips, fingers, or toes, Rapid breathing, Rapid heart rate, Fever, More frequent use of inhalers." So, NO2 is not good for the human body.

Volkswagon's stock price took a deep decrease in value the day after their admission of fault. Who's to say what the future of the company is; perhaps this transgression will be a distant memory. Perhaps some of your remember when the Jack In The Box resteraunt chain took responsiblility for killing four children who had contracted ecoli from their meat. Their perceived value took a hit for a time, only until the power of marketing and time submitted the general population to bury the emotional outrage in our collective consciousness.

Does making cars entail a responsibility to ensure vehicles aren't putting customers in danger? Do you believe the government has a responsibility to regulate car maker's actions? It should be noted that a private company was partly responsible for outing Volkswagen.

Have a great day.