Bronte Wells
Traffic congestion is a major source of air pollution in urban areas, with vehicles being the dominant source of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to the morbidity and mortality risks of drivers, commuters, and individuals living near roadways. The health effects of traffic-related air pollution are wide-ranging and can include adverse birth outcomes, dementia, exacerbation of asthma, incident asthma, reduced lung function, myocardial infarction, progression of atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular mortality.
The impact of traffic congestion on air pollution and health is influenced by various factors, including the type of vehicle, fuel type, driving patterns, and road characteristics. For example, diesel vehicles are a significant contributor to nitrogen oxide emissions, while non-exhaust particulate matter emissions from braking, tire wear, and road abrasions have been increasing.
Studies have shown that traffic congestion can lead to significant increases in pollutant emissions and degradation of air quality. The increased traffic flow during congestion results in higher emissions of ozone precursor pollutants, leading to more adverse air quality issues. This, in turn, has been linked to various health issues, including premature deaths, emergency doctor visits, and hospital admissions.
The health impact of traffic-related air pollution is particularly relevant in urban areas, where a large portion of the population is regularly exposed. Additionally, a significant number of people live in close proximity to major roadways, increasing their exposure to air pollutants. The health effects of traffic-related air pollution can vary depending on factors such as life stage, health status, and proximity to traffic.
Overall, traffic congestion has a significant impact on air pollution and public health, and addressing this issue through effective policies and comprehensive vehicle emission control strategies is crucial to improving air quality and reducing health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health effects | Adverse birth outcomes, dementia, exacerbation of asthma, incident asthma, reduced lung function, myocardial infarction, progression of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, neonatal disorders, type 2 diabetes |
| Pollutants | Carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2) |
| Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) | A complex and variable mixture of secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere, evaporative emissions from vehicles, and non-combustion emissions (e.g., road dust, tire wear) |
| TRAP sources | Petrol and diesel engines of cars, diesel vehicles, gasoline-type vehicles, diesel and gasoline exhaust, speed and idle speed, congestion, traffic flow, vehicle density, road dust, tire wear, brake wear, photochemical reactions |
| TRAP effects | Poor air quality in cities and urban areas, harm to the environment, contribution to climate change, premature deaths, health issues, asthma attacks, infections, complications |
| TRAP-affected groups | Infants and young children, the elderly, people living near busy motorways, people with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic inflammatory lung disease, and emphysema |
What You'll Learn
- Traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions and degrades air quality
- Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is one of the major sources of exposure in urban areas
- Vehicle emissions are a primary contributor to air pollution and adverse health impacts
- Traffic congestion increases traffic flow and produces more ozone precursor emissions
- Traffic congestion increases the health burden across China, especially in urban clusters
Traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions and degrades air quality
Traffic congestion not only increases emissions but also prolongs exposure time. The average annual travel delay for a commuter in the US was 38 hours in 2005. This extended exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The health risks are particularly high in areas with high traffic volume and near large roadways.
The composition of vehicle emissions includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, which have detrimental effects on human health.
To mitigate the health impacts of traffic congestion, comprehensive vehicle emission control policies and better road network planning are necessary. Additionally, promoting sustainable mobility patterns, such as public transportation, walking, and cycling, can help reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Air Pollution's Impact on Life: A Hazardous Reality
You may want to see also
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is one of the major sources of exposure in urban areas
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a major source of exposure to air pollutants in urban areas. It is a mixture of vehicle exhausts, secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere, evaporative emissions from vehicles, and non-combustion emissions (e.g. road dust, tire wear). TRAP has been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, from adverse birth outcomes to dementia and other respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
TRAP is of particular concern in urban areas due to the high population density and the resulting large number of people exposed. For example, in 2015, it was estimated that 66% of the population in Beijing, 41% of New Delhi, 67% of Paris, and 96% of Barcelona were exposed to high levels of TRAP. Urbanisation and increased population density have increased exposure to TRAP, resulting in heightened health concerns in both developing and developed countries.
TRAP contributes to daily particulate matter (PM) exposure, which has important implications for human health. More than 10% of asthma cases in 10 European cities were related to near-road traffic-related pollution. Additionally, TRAP has been linked to the development of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
The health risks associated with TRAP are well-known, and various strategies have been implemented to reduce it, such as the use of sustainable fuels, after-treatment technologies, and new energy vehicles. However, the chemicals contained within these emissions can still cause inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity.
The impact of TRAP is not limited to the ambient air quality but also affects indoor air quality. Individuals living near major roadways are at risk of exposure to TRAP, as indoor concentrations of pollutants can be influenced by outdoor sources. This has been associated with excess morbidity and mortality for those living near major roads.
Overall, TRAP is a significant issue in urban areas, contributing to a range of adverse health outcomes and affecting a large proportion of the population.
The Impact of Polluted Gases on Our Biosphere
You may want to see also
Vehicle emissions are a primary contributor to air pollution and adverse health impacts
Particulate matter, especially fine particles, can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to PM pollution. VOCs react with NOx to form ground-level ozone, which irritates the respiratory system. NOx can also cause lung irritation and weaken the body's defenses against respiratory infections. CO is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs when inhaled. SO2, produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels, poses the largest health risk to young children and asthmatics.
Vehicle emissions have been associated with an increased risk of respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as life-threatening conditions like cancer. Studies have also shown excess morbidity and mortality for drivers, commuters, and individuals living near major roadways. The health risks are particularly high during traffic congestion, when emissions and air pollution levels are elevated.
Additionally, the exposure to pollution from vehicle emissions is inequitable. Latinos, Blacks, and lower-income households bear a disproportionate burden of the harmful effects of air pollution.
Pollution's Impact: Communities Suffer from Environmental Injustices
You may want to see also
Traffic congestion increases traffic flow and produces more ozone precursor emissions
The increase in traffic flow due to congestion leads to a higher frequency of speedups, slowdowns, stops, and starts, which in turn increases emissions compared to "cruise" conditions. For example, a study by Sjodin et al. showed up to four-, three-, and two-fold increases in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide emissions, respectively, during congestion compared to uncongested conditions.
In urban China, heavy traffic congestion was found to increase fine particulate matter and ozone, with annual average increases of up to 3.5 µg m−3 and 1.1 ppb, respectively. The excess fine particulate matter and ozone attributed to traffic congestion resulted in an additional 20,000 and 5,000 premature deaths in China. Similarly, in the United States, traffic congestion in 83 of the largest urban areas contributes to more than 2,200 premature deaths annually, costing the health system at least $18 billion.
Electric Eels and Pollution: What's the Impact?
You may want to see also
Traffic congestion increases the health burden across China, especially in urban clusters
Traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions and degrades air quality, with recent studies showing excess morbidity and mortality for drivers, commuters, and individuals living near major roadways. In China, the number of vehicles has increased significantly in the last decade, causing severe traffic congestion and aggravating air pollution.
A study by Wang et al. (2023) found that heavy traffic congestion increases traffic flow and thus produces more ozone precursor emissions, leading to more adverse air quality issues. The study developed a new temporal allocation approach to transportation emissions to investigate the impact of traffic congestion on air quality and health in China in 2020. The results showed that traffic congestion aggravates air pollution and health burden across China, especially in urban clusters such as the North China Plain and the Sichuan Basin.
The increased traffic flow due to congestion leads to higher emissions of pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). These emissions contribute to risks of morbidity and mortality for those near roadways. The study by Wang et al. (2023) estimated that the excess PM2.5 and O3 attributed to traffic congestion in China induced an additional 20,000 and 5,000 premature deaths, respectively. In major cities, the increased rate of premature mortality caused by traffic congestion may reach 17.5%.
Overall, traffic congestion in China, especially in urban clusters, has significant impacts on air pollution and public health. The increase in traffic flow leads to higher emissions of pollutants, which in turn affect the health of individuals near roadways. More effective and comprehensive vehicle emission control policies or better planning of the road network are needed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in China.
Jellyfish and Pollution: Understanding the Impact on Marine Life
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions and degrades ambient air quality. The pollutants being emitted from petrol and diesel engines of cars consist of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.
The health risks of air pollution from traffic congestion include:
- Morbidity and mortality for drivers, commuters, and individuals living near major roadways.
- Respiratory hospital admissions and emergency room visits, especially for asthma.
- Cardiovascular hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
- Increased risk of lung cancer, dementia, and other adverse birth outcomes.
- Adverse effects on health due to proximity to roads.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.
- Increased risk of adverse health effects for infants and young children, the elderly, and those who live near busy motorways or work with dangerous chemicals.
The sources of air pollution from traffic congestion include:
- Petrol and diesel engines of cars.
- Non-combustion emissions (e.g., road dust, tire wear).
- Electric vehicles, depending on the energy source.
- Brake wear and tire friction.
Traffic congestion contributes to climate change by producing more than 7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide globally from the transportation sector alone. Passenger cars are the largest source of emissions, accounting for approximately 39% of global transportation emissions.
The economic impacts of air pollution from traffic congestion include:
- The World Bank estimated that the cost of health damage from air pollution amounted to about $8.1 trillion a year, equivalent to 6.1% of the global GDP.
- The EPA estimated that by 2030, air quality emissions will have in place the vehicle standards needed to achieve significant results in the prevention of over 40,0000 premature deaths annually, including 34,000 avoided visits to the hospital as well as compensating for 4.8 million lost workdays.
Some strategies for reducing air pollution from traffic congestion include:
- Establishing tax schemes and congestion charges to discourage the use of diesel vehicles and driving in cities.
- Investing in vehicle and fuel technologies.
- Optimizing urban spaces to reduce vehicle travel demands.
- Improving areas of public transportation such as reliability, affordability, and accessibility.
- Encouraging people to use other means of moving around such as walking or cycling through improved infrastructure and further public initiatives.
