Health impacts of traffic-related air pollution: Cause-effect relationships and mitigating measures

Abstract

The health impacts of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) are one of the major concerns regarding the sustainability of the transport sector. Particularly in urban areas, transport is a main contributor to air pollution and affects a large part of the population due to the high number of motor vehicles and urban population. Recently, the evidence from epidemiological studies on the health impacts of TRAP has increased significantly. The major evidence indicates that TRAP increases the risk of mortality and morbidity. Despite the significant improvements in reducing vehicle emissions, TRAP is still increasing in many areas worldwide and becoming a global threat to human health. In order to solve the problem, a clear understanding of the existing situation is necessary. Therefore, a comprehensive cause-effect relationship between TRAP and its health effects is developed, using the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action (DPSEEA) framework. Then, some measures for mitigating the health impacts of TRAP are presented.