Final answer:
The abundance of cars in Los Angeles most likely leads to increased carbon emissions and poorer air quality due to pollutants like carbon monoxide and ozone. Smog reduces visibility, and despite common misconceptions, it does not offer protection from UV radiation that can cause skin cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the statistic that in Los Angeles there are more cars than people, it is most likely that there would be increased carbon emissions in the air due to the combustion engines of the multitude of vehicles. The characteristic smog that clouds the city is a clear indicator of air pollution and represents a concentration of harmful substances that are detrimental to health. Among these pollutants, carbon monoxide is of particular concern.
It is a colorless and odorless gas produced by vehicles and other fuel-burning devices, which can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. Smog also means that on days with high pollution levels, visibility is significantly reduced, making it harder to see the horizon.
Furthermore, car emissions contribute to the creation of ozone at ground level, which is a major component of smog and poses health risks. While rainfall can help clear pollutants from the air, the volume of emissions from cars in Los Angeles is such that carbon dioxide levels are still likely to be high. The assertion that smog could lead to less skin cancer because it blocks the sun is a misconception, as the UV radiation that causes skin cancer can penetrate smog.