A recent study by the University of Melbourne has highlighted the significant health costs associated with air pollution from trucks and buses in Australia, estimating the annual toll at a staggering $6.2 billion. According to the research, heavy vehicle exhaust, which contains toxic carbon particles and gases, has deleterious effects akin to those of cigarette smoke, causing inflammation and a range of health issues including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The findings emphasize the widespread nature of exposure to traffic pollution, with most Australians encountering it daily, particularly those living near major roads and truck routes. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and disadvantaged groups, are at a heightened risk, especially if their homes or educational institutions are close to these routes. This demographic pattern signals an urgent need for public health interventions and policy considerations to mitigate the health risks associated with heavy diesel vehicles.

The study also points out that heavy diesel vehicles, despite comprising only about 4% of the total vehicle fleet, are responsible for approximately one-quarter of exhaust-related pollution. These statistics underscore the critical importance of addressing emissions from trucks and buses in order to protect public health and reduce healthcare costs, suggesting that government and industry stakeholders should prioritize interventions to reduce the impact of heavy vehicle emissions.