Abstract: A pollution control device for reducing pollution of the atmosphere by automobile exhaust gases comprises a chamber in the exhaust line and at least one pair of electrode units installed in the chamber wall. Each pair of electrode units comprises two casings installed a short distance apart in the chamber wall, an insulator extending through each casing and an electrode wire extending through each insulator into the chamber. Inner ends of the electrode wires are bent and one of the insulators together with the respective wire is rotatable so that by such rotation the distance between the inner ends of the wire can be varied. High voltage current is supplied to the electrode wires and the rotatable insulator is controlled to bring the inner ends of the electrode wires close together to initiate a discharge when the engine is started and then increasing the gap to about one inch to provide a continuous flame which burns off carbon CO and any other combustible ingredients in the exhaust gases.