Vehicle fumes 'threat to the unwell'

By GEOFF CUMMING

Vehicle fumes are a factor in deaths and hospital admissions in Auckland, say health and air-monitoring officials.

Although exhaust fumes do not yet threaten the general population, vulnerable groups can suffer ill-effects, says an Auckland Regional Council air pollution scientist, Kevin Mahon.

"If you are asthmatic or suffering cardio-respiratory problems, it's best if you don't put yourself more at risk by spending long periods of time in traffic jams or at busy intersections."

The warning applies particularly to people exercising, because they breathe in a lot more pollutants. "Joggers out there trying to improve their health should definitely stay off our busiest roadways while they are exercising."

Auckland medical officer of health Dr Virginia Hope backs calls for urgent action: "We have to start addressing the problems now, not waiting until we are counting bodies.

"If you look at international models, Los Angeles is the direction we are heading in."

Greater Auckland's rapidly growing vehicle fleet is responsible for 85 per cent of its air pollution. Levels of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and fine dust at times exceed safe health guidelines set by the World Health Organisation.

The fumes can harm not just motorists but pedestrians, cyclists and those who live or work near congestion blackspots.

Experts warn that Auckland's air will deteriorate as traffic congestion worsens - vehicles cough out up to four times more pollutants than normal while idling at traffic lights and in queues.

A soon-to-be-released study into the region's air quality will call for a package of measures to tackle emissions.

It suggests that some deaths and hospital admissions are attributable to fine-dust pollution in Auckland, some of it sourced to increasing diesel-fuel use.

Dr Hope says overseas evidence suggests carbon monoxide levels in Auckland are affecting the health of vulnerable groups.

"I don't think it's far-fetched at all to think that carbon monoxide levels where there are traffic buildups around Auckland could compromise somebody with heart disease."