Study Reveals Vehicular Emissions Cause 342 Premature Deaths Every Year in Greater Boston

A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has revealed that vehicular emissions are responsible for 342 premature deaths annually in Greater Boston. Nearly 90% of those deaths have been linked to increased levels of nitrogen dioxide in the region, according to the study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

The study found that most of these health issues were connected to emissions from light-duty trucks, such as SUVs, pickups, vans, and minivans. Its authors also indicated that the greatest health damages to the region result from emissions from suburban, rather than city, driving.

Researchers applied a fine-resolution air quality modeling technique to understand how air pollution from specific sources affects death rates in communities across Greater Boston. The research team hopes the advanced methodology used in the study can help inform policies to improve public health and address climate change in Boston and other communities across the nation.

“Our findings indicate that the health impacts of transportation in the Greater Boston area are substantial,” said study co-author Jonathan Buonocore, assistant professor of environmental health at the Boston University School of Public Health.

Researchers say that insights from this study could inform Boston's climate action plans, including the Go Boston 2030 Revisioned initiative, which aims to reduce emissions and enhance public transportation.

“Our high-resolution modeling could be used to evaluate health benefits of transportation, including expansion of public transportation, pedestrian and biking infrastructure, vehicle electrification, and policies such as congestion pricing to reduce vehicle trips into downtown Boston,” Buonocore added.