Apr 23, 2008 5:05 pm US/Eastern
Local Smog Level Could Cause Premature Deaths
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
How long you live could depend on the air you breathe, and your overall level of health.
For some people, the air in Allegheny County may be putting them at risk for an early death.
Allegheny County has not met federal standards for smog-causing, ground level ozone for more than 15 years.
"We know that ozone is regional, and therefore we get other people's pollution," said Dr. Evelyn Talbott of the PITT Graduate School of Public Health.
A new report by the environmental protection agency says even short-term exposure to smog at our current levels could lead to premature death.
Local researcher Evelyn Talbott contributed to the report and says this has local impact.
"Allegheny County is unique," said Dr. Talbott. "We have a different mix of people. We have a preponderance of older people."
She says studies have tracked emergency room visits and hospital admissions on high ozone days.
The number of deaths rose on those days and through the five days afterward.
This is especially a problem for people with chronic health problems which make the county's older population more susceptible for ailments like asthma, COPD, bronchitis and emphysema.
Ozone in the sky protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays but ground-level ozone comes from industrial plant and vehicle exhaust, especially on hot days.
For the ozone component of smog, EPA standards allow 75 parts per billion in the atmosphere.
But last year, Allegheny County had eight readings about ten parts per billion higher than standards allow.
"That increase adds up," said Dr. Talbott. "Hopefully, if the EPA is doing their job, and we're doing our job, and the states around us are doing their job, the levels overall will eventually be reduced."
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