Electric vehicles have many advantages over petrol vehicles for human health. One advantage is that electric vehicles emit far less pollutants into the air than petrol vehicles. This is important because exposure to air pollution has been linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. Another advantage of electric vehicles is that they are much quieter than petrol vehicles. This can reduce noise pollution, which has been linked to hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disruptions. Finally, electric vehicles produce no exhaust fumes, which can be harmful to both drivers and pedestrians.
Why is air pollution so bad for you?
A number of studies have shown an association between exposure to outdoor air pollution and increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold, bronchitis and sinusitis. There is also Green Energy that long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The mechanisms by which air pollutants might increase the risk of respiratory infections are not fully understood but several possibilities have been suggested. Airborne particles could act as carriers for infectious agents or they could cause direct damage to the cells lining the Airways making them more susceptible to infection. Inhaled particles could also stimulate an inflammatory response in the lungs leading to increased production of mucus and impairment of ciliary function, both of which would make it easier for bacteria or viruses to adhere to and colonise.
Several epidemiological studies have reported associations between short-term ambient concentrations PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm), black smoke, nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) and sulphur dioxide (SO2 ) concentrations. These effects were larger among people aged over 65 years than among those aged under 65 years. Studies from France, Italy and Spain found positive associations between hospital admissions due to conditions with higher levels of pollutants.