Air pollution deadlier than we thought, say scientists

April 7, 2002

By Macey

April 3 2002

Inhaling tiny pollution particles pumped into the air by trucks, industry

and fires may be more deadly than previously thought, United States

researchers say.

The scientists, who tracked 500,000 Americans for 16 years, found long-term

exposure to very small particles significantly increased deaths from lung

cancer and heart diseases. The findings prompted calls for Australia to do

more to fight air pollution and quickly establish its own standard for very

fine particles.

Researchers from New York University and Brigham Young University, Utah,

calculated that lung cancer deaths increased by 8 per cent for every 10

micrograms of fine-particles pollution floating in every cubic metre of air.

Cardio-pulmonary disease deaths rose 6 per cent with the same exposure.

" We found that the risk of dying from lung cancer as well as heart disease

in the most polluted cities was comparable to the risk associated with

non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke over a long period of time, "

said the team's leader, Dr Arden Pope.

The co-leader, Associate Professor Thurston, said: " This study is

compelling because it involves hundreds of thousands of people in many

cities across the US who were followed for almost two decades. The bad news

is that fine-particle pollution is even more toxic than we thought. "

The researchers defined fine particles as smaller than 2.5 micrometres in

diameter. Leigh , urban campaign manager for Sydney's Total

Environment Centre, said Australia did not even have a standard for

particles that small.

" That is a major shortcoming. "

A spokesman for the NSW Environment Protection Authority conceded that it

was concerned by the US findings.

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