Reduced air pollution from electric vehicles (EVs) positively impacts several specific health conditions most directly affected by emissions from traditional combustion engine vehicles. Key health conditions influenced include:
- Respiratory diseases: Reduced exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) lowers the incidence and severity of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. Cleaner air results in fewer asthma attacks and hospitalizations related to respiratory conditions.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Air pollutants contribute to heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems. Reducing vehicular emissions decreases the risk factors linked to these diseases, leading to improved heart health outcomes and fewer premature deaths.
- Premature mortality and overall mortality: Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with increased mortality risk from various causes, particularly related to lung and heart disease. Cleaner air from EV adoption helps reduce premature deaths attributed to air pollution.
- Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions: Emerging research shows that exposure to traffic-related air pollution can negatively affect brain development in children and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases in adults, such as dementia. Reducing pollution implicates better cognitive health outcomes, although this is an ongoing field of study.
- Other health effects: Lowering exposure to toxic pollutants including lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vehicle emissions can reduce risks of developmental disorders, certain cancers, and other systemic health effects.
In summary, the most specific health conditions improved by reduced air pollution due to EVs are primarily respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, with broader benefits including reduced mortality and potential neurodevelopmental improvements. This is supported by substantial evidence of air quality gains and health improvements following emission control measures on motor vehicles.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-specific-health-conditions-are-most-affected-by-reduced-air-pollution-from-evs/
