Elevated levels of air pollutants have the potential to affect human health by making existing health problems (eg asthma) worse.

How human health is affected may vary depending upon factors such as the

• chemical composition of a particular pollutant
• level or concentration
• presence of other pollutants
• existing health of the individual
• period of exposure.

Health effects associated with the most common pollutants include respiratory effects ranging from minor symptoms (cough) to more serious (chest congestion and asthma) Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions are most susceptible.

You can obtain further information about the health impacts of vehicle emissions in National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality available on the The Environment Protection and Heritage Council website.