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It is known that road traffic emissions – especially of NO 2 and PM – are very significant in terms of total pollutant loading of the outdoor air, and that diesel vehicles emit significantly higher levels of these substances than their petrol-driven equivalents. Thus, diesel vehicles are a valid target for further pollution-reduction measures. 2.1.2 The control and regulation of outdoor air pollutants* There are many regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing the concentration of pollutants in the outdoor air. Some of these directly limit point-source emissions (such as those from factories, power stations, vehicles, ships etc), while others aim at managing the total input of pollutants into the local environment. Some options for emission controls will lead to a reduction in several air pollutants simultaneously. For example, improved vehicle efficiency (and more reliable emission monitoring and testing), and the promotion of active transport, should reduce all tailpipe exhaust emissions. Some options, such as requirements for particle traps on diesel vehicles, are more specific. 2.1.3 Possible future impacts of climate change and related factors † Despite technological advances, for example in reducing emissions from individual motor vehicles, the growth in the number of cars, buses and commercial transport vehicles using the roads creates real problems for any authority charged with the task of controlling the levels of key pollutants in outdoor air – especially around busy roads in built-up areas. Such problems are likely to remain with us for many years. In addition, there may be new issues associated with climate change and society's adaptations to these changes (see Chapter 7). For example, in the UK the greatest energy use is by buildings, and if winters were to become colder and/or summers become hotter, as has been forecast with climate change, there may be marked increases in energy demand for heating and air conditioning, which will require increased energy output from power plants. In turn, this may lead to increased combustion of fossil fuels and concomitant rises in pollution emissions from these sources. The growing popularity of wood burning in fires and stoves is a further concern, as this liberates significant amounts of particulate pollution into the outdoor air – as do forest fires. Similarly, the current proliferation of small commercial plants designed to burn biofuels (for heating industrial estates, for example) is of potential concern and may need to be regulated. Given that fossil fuel combustion is a major source of both greenhouse gases and local air pollutants, if action is taken to address climate change there could be major improvements in outdoor air quality as a result of decarbonisation of power and transport systems, and improved efficiency of energy use. Indeed, the economic benefits of improved health resulting from reduced exposure to fine particles and other local and regional air pollutants as a consequence of climate policies have been estimated to be sufficient, on their own (ie without reference to climate benefits), to justify a range of climate actions being adopted (see Chapter 7). 2.1.4 A brief overview Numerous pollution sources impact the outdoor air, causing a build-up of substances that can adversely affect our health and wellbeing. Some of these pollutants are natural and unavoidable, while others are the clear and direct result of industrialisation and urbanisation. While the impacts of these on any 2 The air we breathe *See also section 2.4. † See also Chapter 7 of this report. © Royal College of Physicians 2016 19

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