What's New List Serve Post Display

Air pollution diminishes life expectancy. 

Release 09-51
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2009
	  	  	
Dimitri Stanich
916-322-2990
www.arb.ca.gov

Study confirms reduction of air pollution extends life
Clean air lengthens life spans

SACRAMENTO: Today the California Air Resources Board heard the
results of a recently published study in the New England Journal
of Medicine that shows reducing air pollution improves life
expectancy.

At its monthly hearings the ARB is informed of research results
that examine the relationship between air quality and health
effects. This month's study, investigating the association
between fine particulate matter and life expectancy in 51 U.S.
metropolitan areas, found that for every decrease of 10
micrograms per meter cubed of fine particulate matter, life
expectancy increased by seven months. Since the late 1970s,
improvements in health care, lifestyle and diet have increased
the average life expectancy in the United States by nearly three
years. Air quality improvements alone accounted for nearly five
months of that increase.

"This is a stark reminder of why California is aggressively
moving to reduce air pollution," said ARB Chairman Mary D.
Nichols. "Life is not only longer with cleaner air, it's
healthier."

ARB is particularly concerned as it is estimated that fine
particulate matter is associated with as many as 18,000 premature
deaths per year in California. Particulate matter is a blend of
tiny particles that include elements such as carbon and metals;
compounds such as nitrates, organic compounds and sulfates; and,
complex mixtures such as diesel exhaust and soil. They can
deposit deep in the lungs and contain substances that are
particularly harmful to human health.

Along with reduced life expectancy, particulate matter has been
linked to increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits
for people with chronic heart or lung diseases such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and heart and blood vessel
disease.

The ARB and the 35 local air districts have adopted many
measures that have reduced statewide concentrations of fine
particulate matter by nearly 13 µg/m3 between 1987 and 2006.
These reductions are expected to continue as recently adopted
regulations curbing emissions from diesel engines come into
effect over the coming decade.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

#####