The implementation of a low emission zone in a medium-sized Swedish city: estimated effects on mortality and morbidity

Abstract

Title: The introduction of a low emission zone in a medium-sized Swedish city: estimated effects on morbidity and mortalityAuthors: Anna Oudin1,2, Erin Flanagan1, Ebba Malmqvist11.Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Sweden2.Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Umeå University, SwedenAir pollution is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The introduction of low emission zones has been implemented in some cities as a measure to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by air pollution. In other cities, such measures are being considered to be implemented. We undertook a health impact assessment to estimate effects on mortality and morbidity in Malmö by introducing a low emission zone. This was done in dialogue with the Malmö city’s environmental department, assuming adjusted emission factors according to the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport version 3.3 with all vehicles on municipal roads being euro6 or better and a mix of vehicles on state roads. The intervention would lead to decreased nitrogen dioxide-levels by in average 2.1 mikrogr/m3 per person (minimum: 0.2, maximum: 5.1 mikrogr/m3). We estimated that the cleaner air would prevent 1-2% of all deaths, depending on what dose-response function was assumed. This corresponds to 26-37 lives per year in Malmö. In comparison in average 7 people die in Malmö each year from traffic accidents. We will also present results regarding how morbidity would be affected.