Assessment of Air Quality and Health Impact in Hanoi (Vietnam) Due to Traffic Emission - Seasonal Analysis and Traffic Emission Reduction Scenarios

Health impact due to population exposure to PM2.5 shows that the densely populated suburbs surrounding the urban core have the largest impact in terms of mortality. Health impact due to air pollution is higher in January (dry season) with estimated 625 deaths and 124 cardiovascular diseases (cvd) hospitalization as compared with estimated 94 deaths and 18 cvd hospitalization in July (wet season). One of the research questions posed by the city authority is whether converting diesel buses to electric buses can yield environmental and health benefits. Our work shows that the scenario of replacing 50% of fossil fuel combustion buses with electric buses does not yield perceptible change in mortality health effect. This is due to emission from buses is small as compared to those from the whole transport sector and other sectors. This study emphasizes the need for integrated, targeted emission control strategies to address spatial and temporal variability in pollution. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers to develop effective measures in urban planning for improving air quality and protecting the health of people in Hanoi.