University of Pardubice Jan Perner Transport Faculty Transport and ...
University of Pardubice Jan Perner Transport Faculty Transport and ...
University of Pardubice Jan Perner Transport Faculty Transport and ...
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000 premature adult deaths attributable to air pollution occur each year in the WHO European<br />
Region. Emissions from road traffic account for a significant share <strong>of</strong> this burden. Some 40<br />
million people in the 115 largest cities in the European Union (EU) are exposed to air exceeding<br />
WHO air quality guideline values for at least one pollutant. 55 Children living near roads with<br />
heavy-duty vehicle traffic have twice the risk <strong>of</strong> respiratory problems as those living near less<br />
congested streets. Indirect effects, such as the wide range anticipated from climate change, are<br />
becoming increasingly evident.<br />
The unabated increase in motorized transport <strong>and</strong> the concentration <strong>of</strong> vehicles in urban areas has<br />
seriously affected the air quality in several cities in the world. It is expected, however, that<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> wide streets, reasonably fast-flowing traffic, well-developed traffic plans <strong>and</strong><br />
automated traffic control, <strong>and</strong> the introduction <strong>of</strong> unleaded gasoline in most <strong>of</strong> the ESCWA<br />
member States will help to reduce the impact <strong>of</strong> vehicle-generated pollution. The pollutants<br />
emitted during transport activities have a variety <strong>of</strong> environmental impacts; inter alia, global<br />
warming, acid rain, chronic health problems <strong>and</strong> damage to vegetation. 56<br />
3.3.3 Noise<br />
Traffic noise has severe impacts on health <strong>and</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> life not only in cities, but anywhere near<br />
major transport infrastructure. Exact figures on the extent to which the population is affected by<br />
traffic noise are currently very limited even in Europe. Excessive traffic noise is one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
common complaints among American residents. Millions <strong>of</strong> people are affected by constant<br />
traffic noise in their own home. In fact, traffic noise impacts more people than any other<br />
environmental noise source. Traffic noise can affect the ability to work, learn, rest, relax, sleep,<br />
etc. Excessive noise can lead to mental <strong>and</strong> physical health problems. 57 If your home is near a<br />
55 Reducing emission from transport [online]. 2011.01 [cit.2012.04.18]. Found from:<br />
http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/index_en.htm<br />
56 Air pollution from ground transportation [online]. 2002 [cit.2012.04.18]. Found from:<br />
http://www.un.org/esa/gite/csd/gorham.pdf<br />
57 United Nations: Sustainable <strong>Transport</strong> Evaluation [online]. 2011 [cit.2012.05.19]. Found from:<br />
http://www.un.org/en/<br />
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