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The staff report on fine PM-related premature deaths was released
on October 24, 2008.
 

On October 24, 2008 the ARB released the staff report titled
"Methodology for Estimating Premature Deaths Associated with
Long-term Exposure to Fine Airborne Particulate Matter in
California." This staff report presents an updated relative risk
factor describing the association between PM2.5 and premature
death. It also provides an updated threshold level for this
relationship. This staff report includes revisions made in
response to public comments received by July 11, 2008 on the
draft staff report, which was released on May 22, 2008. A
supplement to the final report contains all written public
comments received.

The revisions to the methodology were developed following
staff’s review of all relevant scientific literature and two
public workshops. The new methodology underwent peer review in
January, 2008, by a panel appointed by the University of
California, Berkeley. This panel was composed of experts in the
fields of epidemiology, air quality measurement, risk
management, health effects of air pollution, and biostatistics.

Based on the new factor of 10% increase in the risk of premature
death per 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5
exposure and an updated threshold value of 5 micrograms per
cubic meter, staff estimates that exposure to PM2.5 contributes
to about 18,000 premature deaths statewide annually (95%
confidence interval: 5,600 to 32,000). For pdf copies of the
staff report and the supplement, as well as additional
information on the public workshops, comments received, and
other activities related to updating the health impacts analysis
methodology, please see the Web page at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/pm-mort/pm-mort.htm.

References cited in this report are available for public
inspection. Paper copies of the staff report and supplement are
also available; please contact Dr. Alvaro Alvarado by email at
aalvarad@arb.ca.gov or by phone at 916-445-4843 if you would
like a copy mailed to you.

Questions regarding the effort to update this methodology may be
directed to Dr. Hien Tran by email at htran@arb.ca.gov or by
phone at 916-445-1324. 


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