Health Cost Estimation of Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Assessing the Pollution Reduction Potential of Zero-Emission Vehicles in Toronto, Canada

Fossil fuel vehicles, emitting air toxics into the atmosphere, impose a heavy burden on economy through additional health care expenses and ecological degradation. Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths chronic acute problems every year, such as asthma obstructive pulmonary disease. The fossil-fuel-based transportation system releases tons toxic gases atmosphere putting human at risk, especially in urban areas. This analysis aims to determine economic environmental impacts caused by Highway 401 traffic. Due high volume vehicles driving Toronto corridor, there an annual release 3771 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). These emissions are mainly emitted onsite combustion gasoline diesel fuel. integration electric hydrogen shows maximum reductions 405–476 g CO2e per vehicle-kilometer. Besides these emissions, also large amount hazardous pollutants. To examine impact health, mass concentrations criteria pollutants PM2.5 NOx passenger commercial trucks were determined using MOVES2014b software. Then, dispersion model (AERMOD) was used find concentration different receptor’s location. increased risk issues calculated hazard ratios from literature. Finally, cost traffic estimated be CAD 416 million year value statistical life, which significantly higher than climate change costs 55 due pollution.