A peer-reviewed study has revealed that traffic pollution is killing more Australians than road accidents.
According to the study called Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand (HAPINZ 3.0), vehicle emissions in Australia may cause 11,105 premature deaths in adults per year. Which is about ten times more than road accidents.
The study also showed that Australia’s current vehicle emissions can potentially cause 12,210 cardiovascular hospitalisations, 66,000 active asthma cases, and 6,840 respiratory hospitalisations per year.
Lead author Dr. Gerda Kuschel presented the methods, findings, and key implications for Australia in a Vehicle Pollution Forum this Friday.
Meanwhile, leaders in health, federal and state policy, industry, and academia have discussed the new evidence on traffic emissions and health and how it best can best inform Australian government policy.
Also speaking at the Forum was Electric Vehicle Council CEO Behyad Jafari who, in a media release highlighted the importance of implementing a mandatory fuel efficiency standard.
“Combustion engine vehicles are not only bad for the environment, but they’re also bad for our health. Thankfully, their replacement with electric vehicles will reduce this toll,” said Mr. Jafari.
“But health and environmental outcomes can improve even faster if the government introduces a strong mandatory fuel efficiency standard, which would decarbonise manufacturers’ portfolios of new vehicles,” Mr. Jafari added.
“Australia has some of the most polluting vehicles in the world yet is the only OECD country without mandatory fuel efficiency standards,” Mr. Jafari further said.
“Right now, Australia is choking in the slow lane. We can’t overtake without the targets,” said Mr. Jafari.
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