One World... Transport and health

Environment and health effects of transport

Transport affects the health of the whole population both directly and through pollution of the environment. Main health effects include injuries from road traffic accidents, respiratory problems due to air pollution, obesity associated with reduced physical activity and noise annoyances. Transport emissions are also one of the major contributors to climate change.

To support member states in defining and managing mobility policies that are beneficial to health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed methods and tools for assessing the health impact of transport. WHO also promotes a sustainable transport for health and the environment through an integrated and synergic approach that aims at preventing and reducing the health effects associated with current unsustainable transport patterns.

What is a health impact assessment (HIA)?

A health impact assessment aims at studying upstream health determinants in an integrated way rather than concentrating on single risk factors. Its overall objective is to provide decision-makers with sound information on implications on health of any given policy.