Emission Health Impact

Air pollution is one of the serious environmental concerns of the urban cities where majority of the population is exposed to poor air quality. The health related problems such as respiratory diseases, risk of developing carcinogenic diseases and other serious ailments etc. due to poor air quality are known and well documented.

Besides the health affects, air pollution also contributes to tremendous economic losses, especially in the sense of financial resources that are required for giving medical assistance to the affected people. The poor are often the most affected segment of the population as they do not have adequate measures to protect themselves from air pollution. The vehicular emissions have damaging effects on both human health and ecology.
There is a wide range of adverse health/environmental effects of the pollutants released from vehicles. The effects may be direct as well as in-direct covering right from reduced visibility to cancers and death in some cases of acute exposure of pollutants specially carbon monoxide. These pollutants are believed to directly affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In particular, high levels of Sulphur dioxide and Suspended Particulate Matter are associated with increased mortality, morbidity and impaired pulmonary function.

Source: CPCB NewItem_157_VPC_REPORT

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	Health effects associated with Pollutant	Effect on Human Health
Carbon Monoxide Affects the cardio vascular system, exacerbating cardiovascular disease symptoms, particularly angina; may also particularly affect fetuses, sick, anemic and young children, affects nervous system impairing physical coordination, vision and judgments, creating nausea and headaches, reducing productivity and increasing personal discomfort.
Nitrogen Oxides Increased susceptibility to infections, pulmonary diseases, impairment of lung function and eye, nose and throat irritations.
Sulphur Dioxide Affect lung function adversely.
Particulate Matter and Respirable Particulate Matter (SPM and RPM) Fine particulate matter may be toxic in itself or may carry toxic (including carcinogenic) trace substance, and can alter the immune system. Fine particulates penetrate deep into the respiratory system irritating lung tissue and causing long-term disorders.
Lead Impairs liver and kidney, causes brain damage in children resulting in lower I.Q., hyperactivity and reduced ability to concentrate.
Benzene Both toxic and carcinogenic. Excessive incidence of leukemia (blood cancer) in high exposure areas.
Hydrocarbons Potential to cause cancer