Air pollution related deaths have dramatically decreased in recent years, according to a study published in December 2021 by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study estimates that in 2008, there were 27,700 deaths linked to air pollution due to vehicle emissions, but that number dropped to 19,800 in 2017. The researchers said that if vehicle conditions were the same as those in 2008, there could have been 48,200 deaths attributable to air pollution in 2017 – a 74% increase from 2008.
The more favorable conditions are due to federal air pollution regulations and advancements by car manufacturers, including the significant shift towards hybrid and electric models. These changes, however, show little effect on overall climate impact.
Vehicle emissions are harmful because of their ability to form smog, or ground level ozone. Exposure to such air toxins may lead to neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive or immune system damage. In highly polluted environments, a number of health conditions may be triggered, including aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and bronchitis.
Harvard study finds link between drop in vehicle emissions and death due to air pollution.
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The researchers found that while heavy-duty trucks have evolved to reduce emissions, passenger vehicles are behind. In the study, they stated that in 2018, 70% of vehicle greenhouse gas emissions came from light-duty, passenger vehicles like SUVs and pick-up trucks. Emissions from the millions of passenger vehicles on the road are very harmful, with the study authors even noting that passenger vehicle emissions in large metropolitan areas are responsible for 30% more deaths than all heavy-duty trucks.
The study authors warn that as the population continues to increase and there is a larger proportion of older individuals, vehicle emissions will be extremely harmful, especially in dense, urban areas. Once the damage is widespread, small changes to new vehicles will not have much of an effect on the greater public health. Therefore, the researchers are urging governments to take stringent action now. They believe policies should encourage electric vehicles, discourage gas models and facilitate different forms of transportation, such as biking. Continuing to decrease vehicle emissions by any means will enable many to live longer, healthier lives.
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