Traffic-related air pollution

On this page

• About traffic-related air pollution (TRAP)
• Health effects of traffic-related air pollution
• Health impacts of traffic-related air pollution in Canada
• What we're doing to reduce traffic-related air pollution
• How you can help reduce traffic-related air pollution

About traffic-related air pollution (TRAP)

Traffic is a major source of air pollution especially in urban areas. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a mixture of pollutants from:

• vehicle exhaust
• tire and brake wear
• other particles such as road dust
• evaporation of fuels from engine components

Pollutants in TRAP include:

• black carbon (BC)
• carbon monoxide (CO)
• nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
• particulate matter (PM)
• ultrafine particles (UFP)
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Many people in Canada are exposed to TRAP every day. Exposure to TRAP is highest near major roads and highways. Travelling in vehicles, working or living near busy roads, and being outdoors near traffic can increase your exposure to TRAP.

In addition, people living in urban areas in Canada are exposed to moderate to heavy traffic, for an average of an hour or more a day, when travelling in a vehicle or engaging in active transportation.

Health effects of traffic-related air pollution

We evaluated the link between TRAP exposure and:

• asthma, allergies and lung function
• childhood leukemia, adult lung cancer and adult breast cancer

We concluded that TRAP exposure:

• causes lung cancer in adults
• causes development and worsening of asthma symptoms in children
• likely reduces lung function
• likely causes childhood leukemia
• may cause allergies to worsen
• may cause breast cancer in adults
• may cause worsening of asthma symptoms in adults

All levels of government can use the conclusions drawn from the evaluation of the scientific evidence to support programs and policies designed to reduce exposure and the health impacts of TRAP in Canada.

Health impacts of traffic-related air pollution in Canada

We estimate that every year in Canada, TRAP contributes to:

• 1,200 premature deaths
• 210,000 asthma symptom days
• 2.7 million acute respiratory symptom days

We estimate the socioeconomic cost of health impacts of TRAP at $9.5B per year, based on 2015 currency.

About 4 out of 10 people in Canada live within 250 metres of a high traffic roadway. This includes:

• highways
• major roads
• expressways
• arterial roads

High traffic roadways are associated with a higher risk of exposure to TRAP, putting those living close to them at greater risk of adverse health effects. Many of the people who live near high traffic roadways are:

• seniors
• children
• lower socioeconomic groups

People from these groups may be at greater risk than others of experiencing adverse health effects from exposure to air pollution including TRAP.

What we're doing to reduce traffic-related air pollution

We've introduced strict regulations to decrease air pollution from vehicles and engines. These regulations have resulted in reduced emissions due to:

• improved engine performance
• emission control technologies
• cleaner fuels, including fuels with low sulphur content

Although technology improvements have reduced vehicle emissions, there's still cause for concern because:

• older trucks and cars remain in use
  • these vehicles emit more pollutants and greenhouse gases than newer vehicles
• vehicle numbers are high in densely populated urban areas
• the total kilometres travelled by Canadian vehicles continues to increase

Did you know?

Under the National Air Pollutant Surveillance Program, dedicated roadside air monitoring sites, including in Toronto and Vancouver monitor common air pollutants and TRAP emissions in real-time.

How you can help reduce traffic-related air pollution

You can help to reduce TRAP emissions by:

• choosing alternate ways to travel such as walking, cycling, public transit or carpooling
• avoiding unnecessary idling of your vehicle
• maintaining a steady driving speed, while avoiding heavy braking or acceleration when possible
• maintaining your vehicle and equipment for optimal engine performance

For more information, please visit the Air quality and health page or contact us at: air@hc-sc.gc.ca

Poster to Share

Does traffic take your breath away?

Reports on traffic-related air pollution

• Health impacts of traffic related air pollution in Canada
• Traffic-related air pollution: An umbrella review-based human health risk assessment on selected cancer types
• Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Asthma, Allergies, and Lung Function
• Human health risk assessment for diesel exhaust: Summary
• Human health risk assessment for gasoline exhaust: Summary

Related links

• Human health risk assessment for biodiesel production, distribution and use in Canada
• Health risks and benefits associated with the use of 10% ethanol-blended gasoline in Canada