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It is a well-known fact that with rapid industrialization, urbanization and migration, particularly in the developing world, there is a vast decline in the quality of environmental conditions (Sharma et al., 1996).
State of the World’s cities 2008-09 says, “From a sustainable development perspective, the welfare of future generations depends on how well present generations tackle the environmental burdens associated with urban living. Cities, when not properly planned, governed or managed, can easily threaten the quality of air, the availability of water, the capacity of waste processing and recycling systems, and many other qualities of the urban environment that contribute to human well-being” (UN Habitat, 2009).
In Addis Ababa, the urban environment is changing because of a dramatic increase in population in the last few decades. The population which was nearly 1.4 million in 1992, reached four million today. The high growth of population has been putting a tremendous pressure on the city’s environmental conditions. Air pollution has become one of the most important environmental factors among others.
Air pollution has led to an increase in the incidence of diseases and ill health in several developing countries (CPCB, 2001). In many of these countries, lower respiratory diseases linked to air pollution are a major cause of premature deaths. This paper attempts to trace out the link between air pollution caused by toxic emissions from the tailpipes of fossil fuel propelled automobiles, and its impact on the health of the dwellers of Addis Ababa city. The paper also suggests some strategic solutions to minimize the toxic impact of outdoor vehicular air pollution in the city.
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