Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Associated Human Health Risk

Air pollution is a big danger to medium and low-income countries like India. It is one of the most serious pollution issues and the main source of adverse health consequences in humans. It is discovered that it is responsible for nearly 4.2 million premature deaths each year due to particulate matter (PM) pollution, which causes cardiovascular, infectious, and carcinogenic diseases. According to various epidemiological analyses, NO2, i.e., nitrogen dioxide and RSPM, i.e., respirable suspended particulate matter have a comparatively higher association with respiratory problems and a modest correlation with cough and asthma, indicating that NO2 and RSPM are of significant concern. The key cause of air pollution is an exponential increase of licensed cars, which causes traffic congestion, the proliferation of older vehicles, inadequate inspection and repair, the absence of public transit and carpooling, poor fuel quality, insufficient traffic enforcement, poor road conditions, a lack of public knowledge, and the inefficiency of pollution control boards. In 2020, based on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the Government of India has set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next 5 years for the 42 Indian cities that have million-plus populations-provided they reduce their air pollution levels by 15% every year.