Traffic, Air Pollution, and Health

Abstract

This paper discusses emerging information on exposure to air pollution from traffic and health and raises two key questions with regard to the impact of traffic on public health: 1) is there sufficient evidence to infer that traffic is causing adverse health effects, and; 2) what is the magnitude of the adverse impact of traffic on health? Topics addressed include characterization of exposure to traffic-related pollutants; the findings of epidemiological studies to date; and investigative approaches and the related challenges—including bias, model-based conclusions, and sample size issues—in characterizing the health effects of air pollution from traffic. Also considered are the known health effects of two of the major pollutants produced by vehicle exhaust—particles and ozone. The evidence points to traffic as a threat to public health that will be managed with great difficulty; however, more research is needed to refine our understanding of the health consequences of traffic exposures and as a basis for formulating mitigation policies. This paper discusses emerging information on exposure to air pollution from traffic and health and raises two key questions with regard to the impact of traffic on public health: 1) is there sufficient evidence to infer that traffic is causing adverse health effects, and; 2) what is the magnitude of the adverse impact of traffic on health? Topics addressed include characterization of exposure to traffic-related pollutants; the findings of epidemiological studies to date; and investigative approaches and the related challenges—including bias, model-based conclusions, and sample size issues—in characterizing the health effects of air pollution from traffic. Also considered are the known health effects of two of the major pollutants produced by vehicle exhaust—particles and ozone. The evidence points to traffic as a threat to public health that will be managed with great difficulty; however, more research is needed to refine our understanding of the health consequences of traffic exposures and as a basis for formulating mitigation policies.