Accidents Accidents are a serious transport problem. In the European Union, over the past 20 years more than 1,000,000 people died and 30,000,000 people were injured in road accidents. Climate Change Cars are the world's single largest source of the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change. Air pollution and damage to human health Fumes from cars and other road vehicles contain many substances which cause air pollution and damage to human health. Ozone is harmful to human health, damaging the lungs and causing breathing problems such as asthma, coughing, sneezing, and chest pain.
Ozone can also suppress the body's immune system.
It is particularly dangerous to babies and people with heart disease. Nitrous oxide causes irritation to the lungs, causing bronchitis and pneumonia. Particulate matter is tiny particles that are suspended in the air that, when inhaled, can cause lung damage. This is because bigger particles are filtered out of the air when it is breathed in, but particulate matter is inhaled. It causes lung damage, breathing problems, and asthma.