Transport is a primary source of air pollution that leads to hundreds of millions of euros in health costs and preventable death, two leading experts have warned.

Chemical expert Alfred Vella and respiratory health specialist Martin Balzan agreed that the heavy use of vehicles needs to be addressed if the health impact of air pollution is to be taken seriously.

A study by the World Health Organisation has concluded that air pollution in Malta leads to the death of about 230 people each year and costs the Maltese economy €550 million (over five per cent of GDP) a year.

The number of cars on the roads needs to be decreased or a policy change to cleaner fuel must be enacted to address the pollutants in the air, the experts said.

The fact that diesel is cheaper than petrol reflects the inadequacy of current policies too. Prof. Vella said that while the government tends to favour diesel because it is deemed more efficient, diesel engines that are badly maintained will emit more dangerous particles in the air.

Political will remains the main question. Addressing the hazards from traffic pollution means an efficient public transport system needs to be implemented.

Then there are pollutants that are rarely discussed – such as those from fireworks. Chemical contamination from fireworks is found in homes and local produce, according to Prof. Vella who said evidence can no longer be hidden away just because it may be “an inconvenient truth for some”.

Dr Balzan highlights that a 2012 report highlighted the fact that one in six children in the country shows asthma-related symptoms, which is higher than the international average.

The study also showed that contaminants (heavy metals) were higher around the Marsa power station area. Describing its closure as positive, Dr Balzan warned it would take at least a year before contaminants would be eliminated from top soil.

While politicians tend to pay lip service to health concerns related to pollution and use them for political advantage, messages can be misleading.

Dr Balzan said there is still no scientific proof that the Delimara power station is a “cancer factory”, a term coined by the Labour Party in Opposition for a plant the government continues to operate.

Alfred Vella and Martin Balzan will be debating air pollution on Times Talk on Tuesday, TVM at 6.45pm.