Impact of Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Public Health: A Real Challenge

Air pollution is defined as: “the contamination of air by unwanted gases, smoke, particles, and other substances.”1 In recent decades, in many large and crowded cities of developing countries, traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a major public health concern. Exhaust emissions of motor vehicles are the foremost source of outdoor air pollution in developing countries. The combustion of substandard fossil fuels such as leaded gasoline also enhances air pollution. Temperature inversion is another contributing factor, particularly during cold seasons.2 The elderly, children and those with cardiopulmonary disorders are mainly at risk from TRAP. Additionally, TRAP adversely affects the socioeconomic status of highly polluted cities.