Air Quality & Health
In 1996, the NSW government recognised that the key to reducing air pollution and improving air quality is reducing the amount of kilometres travelled in private vehicles. To date this target has not been met and indeed, has recently been removed from the Clean Air Act, presumably because they are unwilling to do what is necessary to get people out of their cars.
Vehicle exhausts containing toxic substances such as Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide are increasing to troublesome levels. Particulate matter from vehicle exhaust are also indicated in coronary and lung conditions as well as some cancers . This is particularly a problem with vehicles using diesel fuels. EcoTransit Sydney believe that moves to deter private vehicle use and to expand public and active transport initiatives will make a significant dent in health and productivity issues associated with poor air quality.
Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollutants
Medical studies have consistently shown that this pollution causes heart and lung diseases, especially in the developing foetus (as they are going through critical stages of development), children and the elderly. These diseases include asthma, bronchitis, heart attack and cancer.
According to the CSIRO, Australia's air pollution death toll is now higher than fatalities from road accidents. Each year on average, 2400 deaths are linked to air quality and health issues - much more than the 1700 people who die on our roads. That's an average of one death every four hours, and this number increases if the long-term effects of air toxics that induce cancer are included.
So, what types of pollution are produced by cars and trucks, and what effects do they have?
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) cause respiratory damage, and so increase lower respiratory tract infections, especially in children and the elderly, and result in decreased airway responsiveness in asthmatics.
Particulates are very small particles such as PM10s (particles with a diameter less than 10 millionths of a metre), PM2.5s and PM1s – a human hair is 75 millionths of a metre wide. Pollution monitoring includes only PM10s and sometimes PM2.5s, however PM1s are the most common type of particulate in exhaust. Their surface area is chemically active and damaging. The smaller the particles, the more dangerous they are, since they are inhaled deeply into the lungs where they can stay for a long time, and can even enter the bloodstream. The elderly and children are most at risk, as are people that already have respiratory problems. Particulates irritate the respiratory tract, constrict airways, exacerbate asthma and bronchitis, and increase rates of respiratory infection. They also constrict arteries, promote atherosclerosis, and make the blood more likely to coagulate, increasing the risk of heart attack.
Carbon monoxide interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. It can impede coordination, worsen cardiovascular conditions, and produce fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, disorientation, nausea, and dizziness. Very high levels can cause death.
Benzene, dioxins, aldehydes, 1,3-butadiene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene and xylene, are toxic, some also cause cancer, and are linked to a range of serious health problems.
Lead, in leaded petrol, can cause brain damage leading to learning disabilities and behavioural problems. It can also injure the nervous system, red blood cells, and kidneys. Lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, and so frequently goes unrecognised. Young and unborn children are particularly at risk because they are growing and developing so rapidly.
Why are children more susceptible to exhaust fumes?
• Children breathe more for their weight than adults
• Children have smaller airways that are more easily blocked
• Children have developing and growing airways and alveoli
• Children have immature host defence mechanisms
• Children spend more time outdoors with play and exercise
More information on Air Quality and Health:
HEALTH EFFECTS OF PM, OZONE AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE
(word doc 36.5KB)
Extracted from HEALTH ASPECTS OF AIR POLLUTION - RESULTS FROM THE WHO PROJECT “SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF HEALTH ASPECTS OF AIR POLLUTION IN EUROPE” available at http://www.euro.who.int/document/E83080.pdf
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Mark Curran, July 2005(word doc 105KB)
Triggering Myocardial Infarction - New England Journal of Medicine
Peter H. Stone MD, October 2004(word doc 134KB)
Literature Review - impact of particulate matter in children and healthy adults
(word doc 27KB)
Particulate Matter: Why does it matter? (word doc 35.5KB)
Particles - Terms and Definitions (word doc 47.5KB)
Pollution Linked to Cancer
By Eric Pianin, Washington Post, Tuesday, March 5, 2002 (word doc 36.5KB)