Improving Environmental Safety

There were 2,521 deaths from motor vehicle accidents in two regions of California in 2006, but more lives (3,812 people) were lost from respiratory illnesses arising from particulate pollution.

Meeting federal standards on air pollution in these two regions could result in annual savings of $28 billion, according to researchers at California State University-Fullerton.

The South Coast Air Basin (the area in and around Los Angeles) and the San Joaquin Valley are two California regions with the worst air pollution levels in the United States. The thick pollution results in heavy economic costs linked to poor health — missed work days, missed school days, upper respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths.

The researchers wanted to estimate the potential economic benefits that might be realized if ozone and fine particulate levels in the air were to fall within federal standards.

A number of previous studies have pointed to a link between high levels of ozone and particulate pollution and respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. High levels of particulate pollution have also been associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular problems.

The researchers analyzed the air pollution concentrations prevailing in the two air basins, across 5-kilometer by 5-kilometer grids, between 2005 and 2007. The pollution readings were then applied to the health effects they are known to cause. For each consequent illness or death, economic values were assigned. The whole process and the economic estimates were reviewed by scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency.

The study’s calculations showed that if pollution levels were reduced to within federal standards, the 20 million people living in the two regions would enjoy these benefits:

* 3,860 fewer premature deaths
* 3,780 fewer nonfatal heart attacks
* 2,700 fewer hospital admissions
* 470,000 fewer missed work days per year among workers
* 1.2 million fewer missed school days per year among school children
* 2 million fewer incidences of upper respiratory problems in children.

All told, these benefits were valued at $28 billion — the total potential savings in health-related costs.

Emissions from fossil fuels are the main problem. The researchers said significant headway could be made if ways can be found to make transportation more efficient, use cleaner diesel, and reduce consumption of fossil fuels.

The researchers clarified that levels of particulate pollution should go down at least 50 percent in both areas for the estimated health and economic benefits to occur. This is not very easy to achieve, they also acknowledge.

Society would have to change its expenditure decisions on things that improve safety.

The study report was published just as the California Air Resources Board is weighing controversial proposed regulations to lower diesel truck emissions, which could cost 170,000 business owners about $5.5 billion. The Board staff estimate $68 billion savings in health care costs by 2020 if the regulations were to be implemented starting December.

Truckers and agribusiness groups are opposing the new regulations, arguing that the huge expense cannot be justified in these recessionary times. Other constituents concerned about their health are not organized.