Smog, the suburbs most at risk with double death rates

«The results published in Epidemiologia&Prevenzione allow us to define a real map of pollution and its effects, neighborhood by neighborhood and reveal, for the first time, that nitrogen dioxide and fine particles have death rates per 100,000 inhabitants that can reach up to 60% higher in some areas of the Milanese suburbs compared to the city center », declares Sergio Harari, co-president of the congress, of the division of Respiratory Diseases and division of Internal Medicine of the San Giuseppe MultiMedica Hospital and the University of Milan.

The London model

And experts study the London model. The British capital has decided to extend the ban on the circulation of the most polluting vehicles to the entire metropolitan area. And as it shows a review published in the Lancet Public Health journal from Imperial College London, the central areas are “saved” by the limited traffic zones, which play a very important role in reducing pollutants and deleterious effects on health. Review reviewed 16 studies conducted on restricted traffic zones in Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom, which shows a clear reduction in problems affecting the cardiovascular system, with fewer cases of hypertension, hospitalizations, deaths from heart attacks and strokes. In particular, a German study on hospital data from 69 cities with restricted traffic zones found a 2-3% drop in heart problems and a 7-12% drop in strokes, with benefits (especially for the elderly) that have resulted in savings of 4.4 billion euros for healthcare. Several studies have also highlighted beneficial effects for the respiratory system, although the data seems less consistent.

The other European models

Like London, I am There are many European cities that are experimenting with new urban models to reduce smog, noise and the “heat island” effect, as reported by a study published in Environment International. The review starts from the city of Barcelonawhich by virtue of its grid road network has developed a superblock model, i.e. large blocks whose perimeter can be crossed by cars, while the area inside is returned to residents, pedestrians and cyclists. According to an estimate by the Institute for Global Health at Pompeu Fabra University, this model implemented across the entire city might avoid almost 700 deaths per year, especially thanks to the reduction of smog.

A Paris instead you experience “the city of 15 minutes”, where work, school, shopping, entertainment, culture, leisure and other activities can be reached within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. Evaluations of the health effects have not yet been carried out, but significant physical and mental benefits are expected due to the increase in physical activity (due to greater walking and cycling) and the greater presence of green spaces. A reduction in motorized traffic might also lead to a reduction in air pollution, noise and CO2 emissions.

Finally, cities and towns are making their way car-free neighborhoods, which only allow the circulation of public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. It is inspired by this model Hamburgwhich plans to eliminate cars by 2034.