Living in areas with high levels of traffic pollution can reduce people’s performance in cognitive tests. If black carbon levels doubled in one area compared to another, the effect on the cognitive functions of people from that area were equivalent to ageing by nearly two years. Air pollution has also been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Pollution from diesel engines can harden the arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks.
These risks should be included in the prices of fuels and cars?
Power MC, Weisskopf MG, Alexeeff SE, Coull BA, Spiro A III, et al. (2010). Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Older Men. Environmental Health Perspectives 119(5),682-687.