Traffic Congestion and Pollution: Effects on Human Health
By: Dr.Rajkumar Singh
Traffic pollution, also called vehicular pollution, is a type of air pollution caused by emissions from motor vehicles. The origins of traffic pollution can be traced back to the widespread use of internal combustion engines in automobiles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. The main contributors to traffic pollution include ‘Internal Combustion Engines’.
Most vehicles on the road today are powered by internal combustion engines that burn fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel. These engines emit a variety of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and various other toxic substances.
The composition of fuels used in vehicles also contributes to traffic pollution. For instance, diesel vehicles emit higher levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, the presence of sulfur in fuels can lead to the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contributes to air pollution.
Heavy traffic congestion exacerbates pollution levels by increasing the number of vehicles on the road and prolonging travel times. In congested areas, vehicles often operate at low speeds or idling, leading to inefficient combustion and higher emissions per mile traveled.
Older vehicles tend to emit more pollutants due to outdated engine technology and inadequate maintenance. Vehicles with malfunctioning emission control systems or worn-out components may emit higher levels of pollutants than newer, well-maintained vehicles. Besides, traffic contributes to the generation of road dust and tire wear particles, which can contain harmful substances such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These particles can become suspended in the air and contribute to overall air pollution levels.
Geographical factors such as topography and weather conditions can influence the dispersion and accumulation of pollutants from traffic. For instance, mountainous terrain can trap pollutants in valleys, leading to localized pollution hotspots. Meteorological conditions such as temperature inversions can also trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. Efforts to mitigate traffic pollution include the development and adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies (such as electric and hybrid vehicles), improvements in fuel quality, implementation of emissions standards and regulations, promotion of public transportation and alternative modes of transportation, and urban planning measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable mobility.
Expansion of modern
In modern age there are several causes of the expansion of traffic pollution that are interconnected. As populations grow, especially in urban areas, there is an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. Rapid urbanization leads to more vehicles being used for commuting, transportation of goods, and other purposes, resulting in higher levels of traffic congestion and pollution.
Economic growth often correlates with increased vehicle ownership rates, as more people can afford to purchase cars and other motor vehicles. This rise in vehicle ownership contributes to greater traffic volumes and higher emissions of pollutants. Industrial and commercial activities require transportation of goods and services, leading to a greater demand for freight transport. Trucks, vans, and other heavy-duty vehicles used for transporting goods emit significant amounts of pollutants, contributing to traffic pollution.
In areas where public transportation systems are inadequate or unreliable, people are more likely to rely on personal vehicles for commuting and travel. This reliance on cars exacerbates traffic congestion and pollution levels. Also,urban sprawl, characterized by the outward expansion of cities into suburban areas, leads to longer commuting distances and increased reliance on automobiles. Suburbanization often results in low-density development, which is more car-dependent and contributes to higher levels of traffic pollution.
Poor land use planning can lead to the development of sprawling, car-dependent communities with inadequate infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transportation. This lack of alternative transportation options encourages car use and exacerbates traffic pollution.
Most vehicles still rely on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel, which emit pollutants when burned. The continued dependency on fossil fuels for transportation contributes to the expansion of traffic pollution. Besides, weak regulations or lack of enforcement of emissions standards can allow vehicles with higher emissions levels to remain on the road, contributing to overall pollution levels.
Health effects
Traffic pollution has significant implications for human health, affecting various organ systems and leading to a range of health problems. Pollutants emitted by vehicles, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO), can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. Long-term exposure to traffic pollution may also contribute to the development of respiratory diseases.
Traffic pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicle emissions can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular conditions.
Some pollutants found in traffic emissions, such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are known or suspected carcinogens. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including lung cancer and bladder cancer.
Traffic pollution has been linked to adverse neurological effects, including cognitive decline, neurodevelopmental disorders in children, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) can lead to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in brain function.
There is growing evidence linking exposure to traffic pollution with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Air pollutants can affect neurotransmitter systems and induce neuroinflammation, which may contribute to psychiatric disorders. Long-term exposure to traffic pollution has been linked to an increased risk of premature mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as other health conditions.
High levels of air pollution in urban areas, largely attributable to traffic emissions, contribute to thousands of premature deaths worldwide each year. Efforts to mitigate the health impacts of traffic pollution include reducing emissions from vehicles through the adoption of cleaner technologies, improving urban planning to reduce traffic congestion and promote active transportation, implementing regulations to limit vehicle emissions, and raising awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution.
The writer is a youth motivator and former Head of the University Department of Political Science, B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India.
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
