A transition to electric vehicles powered by renewable energy could prevent millions of childhood asthma attacks and save hundreds of infant lives by 2050, according to a new study from the American Lung Association (ALA).
The report, which builds on the ALA’s 2022 “Zeroing in on Healthy Air” study, specifically examined how children would benefit from a shift to zero-emission vehicles. Researchers found that if all new passenger vehicles sold are zero-emission by 2035 and all trucks by 2040, coupled with a transition to a clean electric grid by 2035, children would experience significant health benefits.
“Air pollution harms children’s health and wellbeing today, and the transportation sector is a leading source of air pollution,” said Harold Wimmer, ALA president and CEO.
According to Will Barrett, report author and ALA senior director for clean air advocacy, the study aimed “to help illustrate the health benefits possible through this transition.” The findings indicate that up to 2.79 million asthma attacks, 147,000 acute bronchitis cases, 2.67 million upper respiratory symptoms, and 1.87 million lower respiratory symptoms could be avoided in children. Additionally, 508 infant mortality cases could be prevented.
While the report did not specifically address racial or ethnic disparities in health outcomes, air pollution and climate change disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income populations. Addressing these issues through a transition to clean transportation could help mitigate health inequities faced by these underrepresented groups.
“Electric cars could boost kids’ health, study finds” (February 21, 2024)
