The distribution of pollutants across regions and their effects on economic activity have been the subject of many studies. Research indicates that pollutants produce a wide range of adverse effects on economic activity and public health.

In cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment and with support from the Harvard Institute of International Development (HIID) , the Lebanese Centre for Policy Studies held a one day workshop entitled "The Economic and Social Impacts of Mobile Source Pollution". Held on June 29, 1998, the workshop featured presentations of researchers who were undertaking research on the effects on public health of air pollution from mobile sources. The team of researchers presented their preliminary findings on mobile source emissions of particulates and other pollutants, as well as a health assessment and its relation to the levels of ambient air.

The workshop is part of a larger effort on the part of HIID which is implementing the MedPolicies Initiative of the Mediterranean Environmental Technical Assistance Program (METAP III). The goal of METAP III is to encourage sustainable economic growth through the integration of environmental concerns in economic and fiscal policy-making in 13 Mediterranean countries. The MedPolicies Initiative seeks to identify policies through the collaboration of researchers with relevant governmental agencies and other individuals concerned in each country.