Los Angeles study finds higher pollution death risk

[UpInArms]

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2005-09-27T025147Z_01_N26715010_RTRIDST_0_ENVIRONMENT-POLLUTION.XML

LOS ANGELES, Sept 26 (Reuters) - The risk of dying from air pollution in parts of traffic-clogged Los Angeles appears sharply higher than previously believed, according to a study comparing the risks of living in affluent, beachfront neighborhoods to the hazy and fast-growing inland area.

The study was a first to attempt to look at how chronic health problems are linked to the degree of pollution across the neighborhoods of a major U.S. city, lead author, Michael Jerrett said.

The study, which will be published in the November issue of Epidemiology, found the risk of death rose by 11 to 17 percent from the cleanest parts of Los Angeles to the most polluted areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties to the east.

The risk of fatal heart disease rose by between 25 percent to 39 percent as the concentration of fine particles in the neighborhood's air rose by a measure of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, the study showed.

Data from monitoring sites within Los Angeles show that the concentration of such airborne particles -- tiny specks of solids and droplets of acids and other chemicals -- rises by almost 20 micrograms per cubic meter as commuters head east from L.A.'s wealthier, westside neighborhoods.

...more...

[Lindacooks]

1. That's not surprising, but I'm glad it's getting press.

Our lungs were not meant to inhale carcinogens, soot, acids, and other toxins.

[Gloria]

2. For years they've said air pollution doesn't affect asthma,etc.

Let me tell you, I had to get out of NJ...my respiratory system just went downhill after bronchitis, asthma, etc.......

[Erika]

3. And the poor urban areas are hit the hardest?

Surprise, surprise. Why don't the wealthy just feed the poor kids lead chips and then bitch about them being under-achievers?

[KT2000]

4. Clean air initiative??

the laws to save people from breathing that crap and dying early are ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.

Many times people fail to make that connection and don't fight for the protection of environmental laws - especially with Bush dismantling them as fast as he can. People act like environmental laws are just to preserve picnic sites and hiking trails.

[slay]

5. We have a MAJOR pollution problem on this planet

And Bush doesn't give a shit. When I was driving in LA a few years ago they had the kind of signs that warn you when construction is going on, but they weren't warning of construction - they were warning us NOT TO RIDE WITH OUR WINDOWS DOWN BECAUSE THE POLLUTION WAS SO BAD THAT DAY! :mad: :(

[whatelseisnew]

6. An Air Quality Index is on many cities' daily weather reports (n/t)

edited to add n/t
?