Deadly Smog Impacting Communities Across Ontario
New data reveals the regional impact of smog in cities throughout the
province.
Toronto, June 24, 2005 - Alarming new data released today shows
smog is taking lives and hurting economies in communities across Ontario.
The Ontario Medical Association's (OMA) report, Illness
Cost of Air Pollution (ICAP) 2005, shows the negative impact of smog
on the health and economy in specific cities across the province.
"We hope these numbers will provide the evidence needed for municipal
leaders to make the changes necessary to improve the health and economic
well-being of Ontario's communities," said Dr. Greg Flynn, President
of the OMA. "Smog affects everyone, which is why we need all levels
of government to use this new information to push forward with improvements
to the quality of air we breathe."
The breakdown for communities across the province shows several health
and economic damage estimates related to air pollution exposure including:
premature deaths, emergency room visits, and patients admitted to hospital.
"Everyday physicians see the negative impact air pollution is having
on the health of our patients," said Dr. Ted Boadway, Executive Director
of Health Policy at the OMA. "Unfortunately, new evidence that uncovers
the cumulative impact of smog on our bodies has forced us to increase
our earlier estimates of the negative effect smog has on our communities."
The ICAP 2005 report released last week, revealed that exposure to air
pollution will result in almost 5,800 premature deaths and cost the province
almost a billion dollars this year alone. If nothing is done to further
improve the quality of air in Ontario, the number of premature deaths
is estimated to hit 10,000 lives by the year 2026. The combined healthcare
and lost productivity costs are expected to reach well over a billion
dollars.
"Unless more is done to eliminate smog, communities will continue
to pay the price for bad air with their health and pocket books,"
said Flynn. "Ensuring Ontarians have clean air to breathe must be
a top priority not only for government, but for each and every one of
us."
For a copy of the ICAP 2005 report
and the Regional Data containing
complete breakdowns of the impact smog will have in specific communities
in Ontario, please go to www.oma.org/phealth/smogmain.htm.
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