Epidemics of cholera and other infectious diseases in the 19th century taught us that clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and waste management are essential for healthy cities. Scientists around the world began to think about how the construction and functioning of modern urban infrastructure could affect the incidence of diseases.

According to Dr. Haneen Khreis from the University of Cambridge, who is one of the authors of a review article on this topic, “Urban planning and transportation have a great responsibility towards the respiratory health of citizens. Our health and well-being should be at the core of urban planning and policymaking.”

The study, published in the scientific journal Lancet Respiratory Medicine, provides evidence of improved air quality in low emission zone (LEZ) schemes. Currently, there are over 320 designated LEZs across Britain and Europe to prevent the use of polluting vehicles. These areas have experienced a 6-9% reduction in traffic-related pollution in and around less congested neighborhoods in London and up to 25% reduction in “superblocks” in Barcelona (known as “superilles” in Catalan), and have become a part of some of the best global models for sustainability for two important reasons: “prioritizing people over cars with a focus on accessibility” and “compliance with social participation laws”. In these areas, access and pedestrians have priority over cars.

Separate research conducted by Imperial College London has shown a significant decrease in cardiovascular problems among residents in five out of eight studied areas with low levels of pollution. These cases include fewer hospital admissions, less mortality from heart attacks and strokes, and a lower prevalence of hypertension. Of the five studies that examined lung health, two reported improvements while the rest showed no definite results. None of the studies showed any apparent severity.

Professor Mark Nieuwenhuijsen from the research institute ISGlobal, who led the study of new policies, said: “Air pollution policies often focus on compliance with laws and forget that the main goal is to prevent disease and maintain health. They rely too much on technical solutions and lose the health benefits that come from shifting from personal car use to public transportation, cycling, and walking.”

A five-year study on 260,000 workers in Britain showed that individuals who commute to work by bicycle are healthier and have longer lifespans compared to those who commute by car. Additionally, individuals who walk to work have a lower rate of heart disease.

Allocating more of the general budget to local amenities such as shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and creating social spaces like parks, cafes, and restaurants can provide opportunities for walking, cycling, or using public transportation for daily activities. This is at the heart of the concept of the 15-minute city (residents in this urban space can access all their necessary amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home). This type of urban design pattern was prevalent in the construction of villages, large and small cities before the second half of the 20th century.

According to Professor Carlos Moreno from the University of Paris-Sorbonne, “Creating environments where all necessary amenities are within a 15-minute walking or biking distance strengthens physical activity. It also reduces the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle and improves air quality.”

According to Morano, who says that urban planning with less traffic volume can not only improve the health status of residents, but also enhance the quality of life and social welfare, citizens of these areas support green spaces and shared areas, and mental health and social relationships of residents will be strengthened more than ever.

Despite evidence of the benefits of these types of urban designs, these projects can get caught up in political debates. Professor Neuwonis acknowledges this and states, “Many of the disputes arise from a lack of a shared vision of a better city with a healthier environment, a lack of clear logic for better respiratory health, and paths to achieve such an ideal city. Many citizens believe that the restrictions and costs imposed by the city council are meant to harm them, while in reality, we need the participation of as many residents and citizens as possible to create and implement a sustainable, livable, and healthy urban vision.”

Translators’ recommendation:

It is recommended that the Health, Environment, and Urban Services Commission of the Tehran City Council present a report on the implementation of the Low Emission Zone plan in Tehran, which was initiated in 1394 (2015), at two levels: reducing pollutants from traffic areas and improving the health of citizens in these areas. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Organization should also follow up on the implementation of the Low Emission Zone plan for other polluted cities in the country.

Note:

1- This is a translation of an article by Gary Fuller, published on October 20, 2023 in…

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