EVs Linked to Improved Air Quality and Health: A Closer Look

A new study finds increased electric vehicle adoption correlates with improved air quality and lower asthma-related ER visits, underscoring the health benefits of EVs.

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is not just about reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. It's also about improving air quality and, consequently, public health. A recent study from the Keck School of Medicine has found a connection between increased adoption of electric vehicles, better air quality, and lower asthma rates. The research analysed real-world data on EVs, pollution levels, and emergency room visits in California from 2013 to 2019 (1).

Study Findings

The study found that as the adoption of electric vehicles rose in a given zip code, air pollution levels and asthma-related emergency room visits declined. Specifically, for every additional 20 EVs per 1,000 people, there was a 3.2% drop in asthma-related ER visits. This suggests that local adoption of EVs can have a tangible impact on community health (1).

However, the study also highlighted an "adoption gap", with EV growth being slower in disadvantaged areas that typically have higher pollution levels. This raises concerns about environmental justice and the equitable distribution of the health benefits associated with EVs (2).

Study Limitations

While the study's findings are promising, it's important to note its limitations. The study did not account for other sources of emissions, such as tyre and brake wear or the environmental impacts of mining for battery materials. Furthermore, the study was limited to certain zip codes in California, and as always, correlation does not definitively prove causation (1).

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Conclusions

Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the potential local health benefits of transitioning to EVs. It quantifies the potential reduction in asthma-related ER visits associated with increased EV adoption and highlights the need to address the "adoption gap" to ensure that these benefits are equitably distributed.

The study also underscores the need for further research to account for additional factors, such as other sources of emissions and the broader environmental impacts of EV production and use. Nevertheless, the transition to EVs is a key strategy for both mitigating climate change and improving public health.

In the UK, cleaner air in cities has been linked to better health and economic outcomes. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), predominantly formed when fossil fuels are burnt, are a significant contributor to air pollution, with road transport accounting for 27% of NOx emissions in 2021. High concentrations of NO2, often found in city areas close to busy roads, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and increase the chances of developing lung cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease (3).

Clean Air Zones (CAZs), areas in a city where targeted action has been put in place to improve air quality, have been implemented in several UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Portsmouth. The Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London has contributed to a 46% reduction in NO2 concentration levels within the city centre since 2019 and a 21% reduction within inner London (3).

In conclusion, the transition to EVs is not just about reducing our carbon footprint. It's also about improving air quality, reducing health risks, and creating healthier communities. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of this transition are clear.

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Sources

1. Keck School of Medicine study on EVs and air quality

2. Research on EVs, pollution levels, and ER visits in CA

3. Cleaner air in cities benefits health and the economy

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