MEDICO-ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND THEIR EMISSIONS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT

Motor vehicles are among the main sources of air pollution, accounting for more than 55% of gaseous emissions, including CO₂, NOₓ, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and heavy metals. In Belarus, the highest levels of motorization are observed in Minsk, Minsk Region, and Grodno Region, which increases the environmental burden and necessitates a medico‑ecological assessment of transport emissions. The study established the dependence of emission volumes on vehicle operating modes, identified the most unfavorable conditions (low speeds, idling, traffic congestion), and analyzed regional measures to reduce pollution, such as road and bridge reconstruction, bypass construction, and the development of electric transport. The number of electric vehicles in Belarus increased from 3,635 in 2018 to 26,356 in 2024 (a 7,3‑fold growth), confirming the relevance of transitioning to environmentally friendly technologies.