Vehicular air pollution in Malta : managing the problem

Abstract

A comprehensive study of vehicle produced pollutants, their environmental effects, particularly those related to human health, the non-technical aspects of their control and their general effects on the economy, is presented. In the light of the available data, lead is identified as the main cause for concern. The association between road transport and environmental lead, and more poignantly with human blood lead levels is established. The possibility of an association between lung cancer incidence and transport generated pollution is also analysed with due importance being given to the data available on levels of cigarette smoking. The social costs of transport when compared with its social benefits are seen as being high enough to require fuller internalisation of costs. An Air Quality Management Strategy is presented as the strategy which can best be utilised in the local context. Its four main aims would be to (1) decrease the use of the private car, (2) decrease the emission of lead into the environment, (3) lessen human exposure to vehicle emissions and (4) improve traffic flow. A variety of transportation control measures are presented as tactics for reaching the aims of the strategy.