Policy makers should accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles as a core strategy to substantially lessen health burdens from vehicle pollution.

A new ICCT study estimates that roughly five Americans die each hour from toxic road-vehicle emissions, totaling more than 41,800 premature deaths in 2024.

Wider warnings from public health groups underscore dangerous airborne emissions, with findings that toxic air exposure is a nationwide issue.

The analysis ties fossil-fueled transportation to mortality and respiratory harm, using sensor data and established health impact methods to quantify effects.

Children bear a disproportionate burden, with the US accounting for the highest number of new pediatric asthma cases attributable to vehicle pollution in 2024, around one in ten globally.

Authors critique current US policy direction, noting environmental rollbacks that could impede adoption of clean-vehicle standards.

Projections show that reaching 100% market share for electric cars, trucks, and buses by 2040 could avert more than 100,000 premature deaths and prevent over 42,000 new pediatric asthma cases by 2050 relative to current trends.

Experts emphasize that cutting vehicle pollution is essential for better public health and environmental safety.