What Can Be Done to Reduce Health Impacts from Roadside Vehicle Emissions?

Traffic-related air pollution and health in Canada(Michael Brauer, Conor Reynolds, and Perry Hystad, Commentary, Canadian Medical Association Journal, Oct. 21, 2013)

Also quoted here: Traffic-Related Air Pollution Substantial Public Health Concern(Science News, Oct. 21, 2013)

And here: Traffic-related air pollution a growing concern in Canada(Karen Graham, Digital Journal, Oct 21, 2013)

Today we review research into the public health risk posed to Canadians (and citizens of other countries) from traffic –related air pollution, especially to the third of its population (10M) that lives within the length of a football field (100 m) of major roads with heavy traffic. Solutions include, first and foremost, reducing vehicle emissions by reducing traffic congestion, keeping high emission vehicles, such as trucks and buses, away from schools, day-cares and retirement homes though better zoning to reduce sprawl, as defined in official municipal plans, and encouraging alternate commuting modes with urban congestion charge zones  among other options.

   

Key Quotes:

“approximately 21,000 people die prematurely from air pollution each year in Canada, about 9-fold more than the number killed in traffic accidents.”

“About 10 million people -- 32% of the population of Canada -- live within 500 m of highways or 100 m from major urban roads, areas in which they are exposed to elevated levels of traffic-related air pollution”

"This high prevalence of exposure, in addition to evidence of associated health problems, suggests that traffic-related air pollution is a substantial public health concern in Canada,"

“options to help mitigate the effects of traffic-related air pollution:

• Reducing vehicle emissions: introducing programs to remove or retrofit high-emission vehicles; reducing traffic congestion; expanding infrastructure for electric cars
• Modifying current infrastructure: limiting heavy truck traffic to specific routes; separating active commuting zones (e.g. cycle and walking routes) from busy roads
• Better land-use planning and traffic management: locating buildings such as schools, daycares and retirement homes at least 150 m away from busy streets
• Encouraging behavioural change: creating policies to reduce traffic congestion in specific areas and encouraging alternative commuting behaviours.”

“"congestion charge zone" in London, UK…resulted in an estimated gain of 183 years of life per 100,000 residents within the zone over a 10-year period."

Related articles

• Traffic-related air pollution a substantial public health concern
• How Can the Law be used to Curb Traffic on Roads that Cause Congestion and Air Pollution?
• Tightening Vehicle and Fuels Standards to Benefit Global Health and Climate
• Air pollution nine-times deadlier than car crashes, UBC study finds
• Congestion charge to counter pollution in Shanghai possible
• Vehicle Exhaust Emissions
• Air pollution death rate up in half of boroughs