By Abbas Nazil
A new study by researchers at the University of Melbourne has found that air pollution generated by heavy diesel vehicles such as trucks and buses costs Australia approximately $6.2 billion each year due to associated health impacts including premature deaths, hospital admissions and chronic respiratory conditions.
The analysis highlights that vehicle exhaust contains fine toxic carbon particles and harmful gases similar to cigarette smoke, which cause inflammation when inhaled and contribute to serious long-term health complications affecting communities nationwide.
Researchers reported that heavy vehicles represent only about four percent of the national vehicle fleet but are responsible for roughly one quarter of exhaust-related pollution, making them a disproportionate contributor to public health risks.
The financial estimate covers major health outcomes including early onset asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality, but experts noted that the figure likely underestimates the true economic burden because it only accounts for the most severe impacts.
Children, elderly people and disadvantaged populations are identified as the most vulnerable groups, particularly those living, studying or working near major freight corridors, highways and busy intersections where pollution levels remain elevated.
In one documented case at a childcare centre near a major road intersection, children were exposed to pollution levels comparable to inhaling the smoke from approximately eight cigarettes per day, a finding described by researchers and advocacy groups as deeply alarming.
Health experts argue that proximity to heavy traffic significantly increases risk exposure and that families often cannot easily relocate away from polluted areas because of employment, housing costs and community ties.
The study was released ahead of expected reforms to national heavy vehicle regulations and calls for policymakers to incorporate health cost assessments into decision-making processes governing transport and freight systems.
Researchers recommend removing older and highly polluting trucks from circulation, relocating freight routes away from residential neighbourhoods, schools and childcare facilities, and expanding rail freight infrastructure to reduce road congestion.
They also urge accelerated transition toward electric and cleaner fuel technologies for buses and trucks to reduce emissions at source and improve air quality across urban regions.
Environmental campaigners emphasised that addressing truck pollution would not only reduce healthcare costs but also improve quality of life for millions of Australians exposed to daily traffic emissions.
Parents and community members interviewed expressed concern about ongoing exposure, noting that improved policy action and stronger emission standards are necessary to protect children and future generations from long-term environmental health risks.