Traffic-related air pollution : Emissions, human exposures, and health : An introduction

Air pollution is an established health concern and one of the principal causes of premature mortality and a wide range of diseases globally, with vehicle traffic being a leading contributor to this, especially in urban areas. On considering the elements of the full chain between traffic activity and health outcomes throughout this book, we showed that there are significant research advances in several areas that collectively support more rigorous practice and policy decision-making to mitigate TRAP and its adverse health impacts. However, the transportation sector is facing rapid changes on many fronts, which require a proactive, rather than a reactive approach, to mitigating TRAP and its adverse health impacts. Also, importantly, TRAP and health issues cannot be viewed in isolation and should be placed in the broader landscape of urban and transportation planning and policy that can support public health through modifying a wide variety of relevant pathways, beyond air quality. We have come a long way, but there are as yet critical knowledge gaps which need to be filled offering exciting research and practice opportunities and a pathway toward the goal of clean air and protection of the public’s health. Key recent advances and remaining gaps are outlined in this chapter, paving the way forward to more informed research, better understandings, and improved practice and policy.