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Road Traffic Flow and Air Pollution Concentrations: Evidence from Japan

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  • Shuhei NISHITATENO
  • Paul J. BURKE
  • Toshi H. ARIMURA

Abstract

Vehicular emissions, being a major global health concern, have gathered worldwide attention and necessitated extensive research to gain deeper insights. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of road traffic flow on the local ambient concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Japan. We constructed an hourly panel dataset of nationwide samples of air pollution monitoring stations from 2010–2015. By estimating a dynamic panel model with station-hour panel data, short-run pollution-road traffic elasticities of 0.04–0.05 for NOx, CO, and NMHC, and long-run elasticities of 0.09–0.17 were observed; however, no significant evidence was found for PM2.5. We used these estimates to understand the potential effects of reducing road traffic flow to meet the World Health Organization’s new air quality guidelines.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuhei NISHITATENO & Paul J. BURKE & Toshi H. ARIMURA, 2023. "Road Traffic Flow and Air Pollution Concentrations: Evidence from Japan," Discussion papers 23031, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:23031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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