130 Effects of traffic related air pollution on health

Globally it is estimated that 16% of deaths are related to air pollution with around 800,000 deaths/annum in Europe attributable to outdoor air pollution mostly from traffic. Air pollution plays a role in many health challenges and unless significant steps are taken, is projected by end 2031 to be the leading environmental cause of mortality globally. People find it hard to believe that while road deaths, drug deaths and homicides combined together account for under 10,000 deaths a year in the UK, air pollution causes three time the number of premature deaths annually, largely through involuntary exposure. Globally air pollution causes ∼2 million more deaths per year than obesity. The scale of health risk posed by air pollution is often under-recognised. Further it is the most disadvantaged who suffer most, being frequently located near busy polluting roads. Road vehicles are a major source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and NO2, and these contribute to significant morbidity and premature mortality These effects are observed at concentrations below current legal limits in most countries, reinforcing the need for stronger action on traffic-related air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) release can also be traffic related (from exhaust, brakes, tyres, road dust). PM2.5 is also associated with a wide range of serious adverse health outcomes, with robust evidence showing harm occurs at concentrations below most countries’ current legal limits and with no safe threshold identified. This lecture will cover the health and regulatory effects of traffic related air pollution, with recommendations for future activities to reduce this “silent killer”.