Medical Aspects of Traffic Exhaust Regulations

Abstract

Traffic exhaust emissions are a major driver of premature diseases and deaths. A reduction of traffic exhaust emissions can be supported by a continuous climate-friendly transportation policy. The European Green Deal includes such policy measures, for example, the investment in green technologies and cleaner forms of public and private transport. In this chapter, we focus on the adverse health effects of air pollutants caused by traffic exhaust emissions. In particular, low- to middle-income countries but also industrialized regions are affected by traffic-related air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated about 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide caused by air pollution. In particular, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) are major components of traffic exhaust and can lead to severe health conditions. While nitrogen dioxide has mainly local (respiratory) effects, particulate matter leads to an increase of total and cause-specific mortality. However, European limit values and WHO guideline values show a huge disparity with limit values for PM_2.5. The European limit values are twice as high as the WHO recommendation. Various stakeholders involved in limit value definitions might be a reason for that disparity. Different technical and non-technical measures are introduced to achieve the European climate goal of 2050 – a climate-neutral European Union. Technical measures include particulate filters for light and heavy vehicles and the support of electromobility. Non-technical measures include smart traffic systems, low-emission zones, free public transportation services, and supporting the use of car-sharing services and bicycles.