EVs could save 110,000 lives, prevent 2.7 million asthma attacks and bring forward $1.2 trillion in health benefits, a new report says. The impact fossil fuel vehicles have on the environment, clean air, and climate change are well documented. However, how these vehicles directly affect human health is often overlooked.
Climate change is viewed by many as a distant phenomenon that takes place in the form of sporadic natural disasters. Climate advocates have been trying to raise awareness by connecting the climate change dots with the need for zero-emissions. Several organizations work to create awareness and build an understanding of just how pressing and serious climate change issues are, and how they can affect everyone, every day.
The American Lung Association's latest “Zeroing in on Healthy Air” report takes a look at what would happen if 100 percent of all vehicles in the U.S. switched to green in the next few decades, and the results are staggering. The health organization estimates that 110,000 lives would be saved and 2.7 million asthma attacks deterred. Additionally, the report says that more than thirteen million lost workdays would be avoided.
The Clean Air Health Crisis And EV Benefits
Despite the progress made, air quality is still an ongoing problem in the US. Four of every ten Americans, 135 million in total, live in communities with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the report. The great majority of those affected live in low-income areas and communities of color. The switch to green vehicles would not only prevent contamination from tailpipes, as diesel hotspots, refineries, and fossil fuel facilities located in these regions are also major contributors to the impact on health-air.
Air pollution harms children and adults alike. The health issues are wide-ranging and can include coughing, shortness of breath, lung cancer, infections, heart attacks and strokes, metabolic disorders, and low birth weight. The American Lung Association has called for zero-emission policies to bring an end to the disparities that exists in the country. California, Texas, Oregon, some cities in Alaska, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Ohio are just some of the worst affected regions.
California and Texas could see more than $100 billion in health benefits if clean cars are fully adopted, the report says. Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Michigan could see benefits of more than $50 billion by 2050. The American Lung Association called for bipartisan support for zero-emission state policies, EV infrastructure development, and tax exceptions. In an effort to save lives, the preference is for personal EVs, heavy-duty freight, and public transportation to shift to green.
Source: American Lung Association