Catalytic converters reduce the emission of dangerous substances found in vehicle exhaust fumes. The most dangerous exhaust pollutants are carbon monoxide and compounds of nitrogen and oxygen that contribute to acid rain, the reduction in the ozone layer and to the increase in smog and breathing difficulties.

Platinum group metals are an integral part of the catalyst, helping to trigger the chemical reaction in the catalytic converters that turns over 90% of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen into considerably less harmful compounds such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapour.

Catalytic converters are also effective with diesel exhausts, reducing emissions by 30-40%. Particulate traps, PGM-based emissions control devises that act as a "trap" to store emissions until the device is at the proper temperature to convert the polluting gases, can also reduce emissions significantly. In fact, working together, catalytic converters and particulate traps can further reduce the mass of particulate emissions by 90%.

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