Study Links Deaths to Diesel Exhaust

Air pollution generated by vehicle traffic kills thousands of people every year in Europe, according to a study published in the Sept. 2 issue of the British medical journal Lancet.

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The study examined the levels of PM10 — particulate matter of 10 microns or less — from vehicle exhaust and its effect on public health in Austria, France and Switzerland.

In particular, researchers from the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Basel in Switzerland sought to make the connection between PM10s and mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular problems. They focused on chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks and “restricted activity days.”

Basing their research on PM10 inventories in the three countries, the researchers attributed 6% of deaths — 40,000 people — each year to air pollution-related causes. Half of those deaths were directly attributed to air pollution from traffic.

For the full story, see the Sept. 11 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.