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Case Study
New fuel and emission
standards improve the
health of city dwellers
Cleaner Vehicles, Cleaner Air
Photo: Doan Van Huu
Today, Vietnam’s cities are
crammed with cars, trucks and
motorcycles.
"My colleagues and I have
learned that preventative
measures can minimize air
pollution in rapidly growing
cities,” says Tran Duc Hoa
of the Ministry of Science
and Technology. “We don’t
want Vietnam left behind
other countries."
Challenge
Ten years ago most urban Vietnamese rode bicycles, but over
the last decade rapid industrialization has contributed to a
sharp rise in the use of motorized vehicles. Vietnam’s cities are
now crammed with cars, trucks and motorcycles; Ho Chi Minh
City alone has more than 3 million motorbikes for just over 5
million people. These vehicles create emissions containing
lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone and fine
particulate matter — and cause significant health impacts.
Exposure to outdoor air pollution is associated with a range of
health problems, from chronic asthma to respiratory and
cardiovascular disease. Young children are especially
vulnerable. Elevated lead levels in the blood, for example, stunt
brain development and reduce learning ability.
Initiative
In 2001, USAID began working with the Ministry of
Transportation to improve urban air quality. The government
formed a partnership with the private sector and, in less than a
year, had phased out leaded gas nationwide. Building on this
success, USAID supported workshops and conferences with
Vietnamese air-quality experts on the importance of developing
tighter vehicle emissions and fuel standards. Vietnam recently
enacted cleaner EURO 2 standards for new motorbikes. USAID
is also promoting increased awareness among government
officials, industry leaders and the public about the links between
stricter standards, better air quality and human health.
Results
The phase-out of leaded gasoline has reduced lead exposure
for millions of city dwellers — particularly the poor, who tend to
live along congested roads. Since motorbikes represent 90
percent of vehicles, the new EURO 2 standards ensure that the
estimated 10 million new motorcycles expected on Vietnam’s
roads in the coming decade will emit less pollution. Looking still
forward, USAID is supporting further development of a
“roadmap” to gradually phase in even cleaner standards for
automotive emissions and fuel quality. With USAID’s support,
Vietnam is taking proactive measures to keep its skies blue and
its people healthy.
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