A new study highlights just how significant its effects can be.
More Americans have become concerned about how pollution affects their health, according to The Guardian.
At the same time, previous research by the American Lung Association found that nearly half of the U.S. population breathes air containing harmful levels of pollution.
This has increased support for stricter regulations aimed at reducing emissions from road traffic.
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Children hit hardest
Researchers measured pollution from road traffic and used established scientific methods to estimate its impact on human health.
According to a study conducted by the International Council on Clean Transportation, the United States records more new cases of childhood asthma linked to vehicle-related air pollution than any other country.
The researchers also estimate that a faster transition to electric cars, electric buses, and electric trucks could prevent more than 100,000 premature deaths and over 42,000 new cases of childhood asthma by 2050, compared with current projections.
Serious consequences
Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that the current U.S. administration has rolled back several environmental measures designed to encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
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Road traffic-related air pollution in 2024 is associated with more than 41,800 premature deaths in the United States.
That is equivalent to around five people dying every hour as a result of road traffic-related air pollution, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation.
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