IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 18, Issue 4 Ser. 1 (April 2024), PP 13-19 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2402-1804011319 www.iosrjournals.org 13 | Page Baseline Assessment Of Road Traffic Characteristics And Its Possible Impact On Human Health And The Environment In Kinshasa (Democratic Republic Of Congo) Kumpel M. Placide Macaire¹ Et Mfuamba Mulumba Jean-Pierre², Minga Stephane², Kazadi Evariste² 1) Department Of Environmental Sciences And Management, University Of Kinshasa (Unikin) Drc B.P.190 Kinshasa- Xi 2) Doctoral School Of Telecommunications And Spatial Remote Sensing, National Pedagogical University (Upn) Drc B.P. 8815 Binza Upn Abstract Road traffic is often assumed to be a major source contributor to air quality deterioration in many cities in the world. Kinshasa the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo does not escape from this reality. Deteriorated air quality has negative impact on human health and the environment. The study focused on road traffic characterization in the city of Kinshasa and in order to evaluate its contribution to air quality deterioration and population health risk. Data from two surveys undertaken in four districts of this city have provided the characteristics of road traffic in Kinshasa in terms of the hourly on road flow rate at peak time (9 am to 12pm and 4 pm to 7pm). The insufficient road networks as well as the aged fleet are the key causes of traffic congestion that leads to the high particulate concentrations that is above the World Health Organisation (WHO) limit value. We suggest the improvement of the road network in this city, the technical control of on road vehicle status as well as the education of traffic officers and road users to abide on road traffic rules to avoid frequent traffic congestions observed at peak hours. Key words: Road traffic, congestion, air pollutants, and human heath --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 26-03-2024 Date of Acceptance: 06-04-2024 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Background In recent days road traffic seems to be a major source contributor to air quality deterioration in many cities in the world (Claudia Hak et al. 2010; Duclaux et al., 2002; European Environment Agency, 2003; Rebolj and Sturm, 1999). Cities are, indeed, concerned by air pollutants such as nano particles, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), etc, from motor vehicles that cause health problems to humans (Zhang, Y., et al. 2009) and the environment (Kukkonen, J. et al., 2000). Concentrations of air pollutants from motor vehicle emissions in a city depend on several factors such as the type, the size and the state of the road, the number of in road vehicles, their age, and flow rate per time unit (Personal information). With regard to human health issues, World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that almost 12.6 million deaths recorded worldwide every year are linked to environmental causes which represent 23% of the total death causes (WHO, 2012). In addition to these findings, recent report published by the same organisation states that air pollution has been classified as the main cause of seven million premature deaths per year worldwide (WHO, 2021). Notwithstanding, UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) reports that more than 80% people living in urban cities are exposed to poor air quality ranging below WHO standards and limit values which constitute a life threat issue for productivity and economic development (UNEP, 2002). In a study undertaken in the USA, Levy et al, (2010) state that spending time in a traffic congestion cannot be only annoying for the drivers and commuters, but can also lead to real economic costs. This loss can be examined through various parameters including fuel consumption, time wasted (Levy et al. 2010) and pollutants emission and exposure. Emission of CO and CO2 from motor vehicles (Schtz, 1995,). Escourrou, 1996,) is harmful to human health and also to the environment as it causes greenhouse effect. However, this matter does not enter into the discussion of this article. The focus of this study is to characterized traffic flow in the cities of Kinshasa in order to determine that traffic peak hours; to evaluate the causes of traffic congestion and provide information on potential harmful pollutant emissions which people are exposed to. The methodologies used to achieve these objectives are well