Uncovering the Health Risks: Diesel Vehicles with Defeat Devices in the EU and UK – Insights from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air

Understanding Road Transport Emissions and Their Impact

Road transport is a major contributor to air pollution, especially in crowded urban areas. It releases harmful nitrogen oxides (NOX), increasing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. This leads to serious health issues in populations living near busy roads.

The Diesel Shift in Europe and the UK

In the 1990s, Europe and the UK saw a rise in diesel vehicles. Policymakers thought diesel fuel was better for the environment because it emitted less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to petrol. Incentives encouraged more drivers to switch to diesel, but this had hidden health costs. By 2015, diesel vehicles were linked to a shocking 37% to 69% of transport-related deaths, while petrol vehicles accounted for only 5% to 14%.

The Reality of Diesel Emissions

Up until 2017, emissions tests for vehicles were done in labs under ideal conditions. However, many diesel cars were found to emit far more pollutants on the road. This discrepancy was partly due to "defeat devices." These are tools that lower emissions during standard testing but don’t work the same way when the vehicle is driven normally. Despite being banned in the EU and UK, many diesel vehicles still use these devices.

The ‘Dieselgate’ Scandal

In 2015, the "Dieselgate" scandal broke when investigations revealed that Volkswagen was using defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. When these cars were tested in labs, they appeared to meet regulations, but in real-world situations, their emissions were much higher. Since then, efforts have been made to tighten regulations around NOX emissions.

In 2023, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) warned that some vehicles still exceed emissions limits, hinting at ongoing issues with defeat devices.

Health Impact of Diesel Emissions

A recent health impact assessment (HIA) by CREA examined excess NOX emissions from diesel vehicles in Europe and the UK from 2009 to 2040. The assessment found that these emissions could lead to:

• 205,000 premature deaths
• 152,000 new asthma cases in children
• 42,000 years lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• 24 million sick leave days
• An economic burden of around €1.20 trillion by 2040

In the period from 2009 to 2024 alone, the harm was already significant, with 124,000 premature deaths and a cost of €760 billion. Without intervention, future harm could be just as severe, with projections for 2025 to 2040 showing 81,000 more premature deaths.

Conclusion

The impact of diesel emissions is clear and troubling. Immediate action from governments and car manufacturers is crucial. Investigating and recalling vehicles suspected of using defeat devices can help reduce future harm. As we move forward, awareness of these issues can inspire more sustainable practices in transportation, benefiting both public health and the environment.

For a deeper understanding of emissions and their effects, explore more at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

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