Zero Vision Against Traffic Air Pollution – Dalabegden

Today, almost 1400 People die prematurely as a result of traffic air pollution in Sweden. That's more than six times the number of deaths in the country. Traffic Accidents, which has more than halved within two decades. In Dalarna, 5 people died in traffic accidents last year.

Dirty air affects people in the form of cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. It also affects pregnancy and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Children are particularly at risk and risk of reduced lung capacity. The social costs of air pollution, which kills a total of around 7,000 Swedes prematurely each year, amount to 168 billion Swedish krona.Therefore, there is an urgent need for legislation for cleaner air. Clean air not only improves public health, but also reduces Climate impact.

New knowledge shows that the health risks from air pollution are greater than previously known, even at low levels. Therefore, the World Health Organization has lowered its recommended target values, for example, for the smallest and most hazardous particles. But in Sweden the percentage is still five times higher. In other words, it is not an exaggeration to claim that the threshold value for air quality in Sweden is dangerously high.

Clean air is not a lifestyle choice, neither for individuals, nor for cities, nor for countries. It is a matter of saving lives and requires political will. One New Swedish study It shows significant social benefits of designing transportation systems in cities that are less car-dependent. This includes, among other things, speed limits and making public transport and cycling more attractive. The system gained wide acceptance when it was introduced in other countries. On sound scientific grounds, we believe politicians should improve air and public health by:

– Determine the limit values ​​for air pollution according to World Health Organization guidelines

– Adopting a zero-sum vision against deaths and serious diseases resulting from air pollution

– The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Traffic Committee to develop a national action plan to improve air quality.

In a survey of the country's municipalities conducted by the Heart and Lung Foundation, the proposals received unanimous support from 280 of the 292 municipalities that responded, as well as from a majority of all parties. In a new report The World Heart Federation urges all countries to adopt WHO recommendations – and Sweden is well placed to play a leadership role.