Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to health (WHO, 2016). One approach trialled by Cardiff Council to reduce air pollution from traffic sources is to make urban streets traffic-free and promote active, sustainable travel. But how can the success of such an intervention be assessed? Could opportunities to reduce air pollution coincide with opportunities to improve health and reduce inequalities? Is there potential for unintended consequences? This case study illustrates how the application of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) can help do this in a variety of ways to inform decisions and future actions.
The case study written by Kristian James MPH CEnvH, Principal Environmental Public Health Specialist, Public Health Wales can be viewed by clicking here.