From emissions to illness: aviation and transport pollution and respiratory mortality in Europe
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aviation.2026.26800Abstract
This study explores the association between aviation-related CO₂ emissions and asthma mortality in 15 European Union countries with the highest levels of air traffic between 2008 and 2021. The analysis finds a strong and statistically significant relationship: a 1% increase in aviation emissions is linked to up to a 0.125% rise in asthma-related deaths, underscoring the hidden public health burden of air transport pollution. Emissions from road transport and industrial activity also exhibit strong long-run effects; notably, a 1% rise in road transport emissions corresponds to a 0.79% increase in asthma mortality. Economic expansion, measured by GDP, is indirectly associated with higher asthma mortality, likely through increased demand for aviation and growing urban density. Urban population growth itself is also linked to heightened asthma risks in both the short and long term. These findings highlight the health risks posed by transport emissions and support the need for stronger environmental and public health policy responses. Recommended measures include enhancing emission limits for aviation, promoting sustainable aviation fuels, and integrating air quality indicators into urban and transport planning.
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asthma, aviation emission, CO2 emissions, environmental health, pooled mean group estimation, sustainable aviation, sustainabilityHow to Cite
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