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2008-04-23 05:33:31
By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press WriterTue Apr 22, 11:57 AM ET
Short-term exposure to smog, or ozone, is clearly linked to premature deaths
that should be taken into account when measuring the health benefits of
reducing air pollution, a National Academy of Sciences report concluded
Tuesday.
The findings contradict arguments made by some White House officials that the
connection between smog and premature death has not been shown sufficiently,
and that the number of saved lives should not be calculated in determining
clean air benefits.
The report by a panel of the Academy's National Research Council says
government agencies "should give little or no weight" to such arguments.
"The committee has concluded from its review of health-based evidence that
short-term exposure to ambient ozone is likely to contribute to premature
deaths," the 13-member panel said.
It added that "studies have yielded strong evidence that short-term exposure to
ozone can exacerbate lung conditions, causing illness and hospitalization and
can potentially lead to death."
The White House Office of Management and Budget, which in its review of air
quality regulations has raised questions about the certainty of the pollution
and mortality link, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
"The report is a rebuke of the Bush administration which has consistently tried
to downplay the connection between smog and premature death," said Frank
O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, a Washington-based advocacy
organization.
Vickie Patton, deputy general counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund, said
the Academy's findings "refutes the White House skepticism and denial" of a
proven link between acute ozone exposure and premature deaths. Such arguments
have been used to diminish the health benefits of reducing air pollution, she
said.
The Academy panel examined short-term exposure up to 24 hours to high
levels of ozone, but said more studies also were needed on long-term chronic
exposure where the risk of premature death "may be larger than those observed
in acute effects studies alone."
Ground-level ozone is formed from nitrogen oxide and organic compounds created
by burning fossil fuels and is demonstrated often by the yellow haze or smog
that lingers in the air. Ozone exposure is a leading cause of respiratory
illnesses and especially affects the elderly, those with respiratory problems
and children.
While premature death from ozone exposure is greater among individuals with
lung and heart disease, the report said such deaths are not restricted to
people who are at a high risk of death within a few days.
The scientists said they could not determine, based on a review of health
studies, whether there is a threshold below which no fatalities can be assured
from ozone exposure. If there is such a point, it is below the ozone levels
allowed for public health.
Environmentalists and health advocates have argued that a string of health
studies and surveys show that exposure to smoggy air not only aggravates
respiratory problems, but causes thousands of deaths a year.
But in a number of instances the EPA and the White House Office of Management
and Budget, which reviews regulations, have been at odds over the certainty of
a link between smog levels and deaths.
Patton said the OMB in a number of air pollution regulations has sought to
minimize the relationship of pollution and premature deaths, resulting in a
lower calculation of health benefits from pollution reductions.
"This has been used by industry to try to attack health standards by minimizing
the societal benefits," said Patton.
One such case involves the EPA's decision last month to toughen the ozone
health standard, reducing the allowable concentration in the air.
When the cost-benefit analysis was being prepared in connection with the
rulemaking, the OMB argued there is "considerable uncertainty" in the
association between ozone levels and deaths.
As a result, the EPA issued a wide cost-benefit range from an annual net
societal cost of $20 billion to a savings of $23 billion, depending largely on
whether one takes into account lives saved from ozone-related premature deaths.
OMB officials also have objected to the EPA quantifying ozone-related mortality
benefits in new emissions standards for lawn mowers and other small engines
that release large amounts of ozone-forming pollution.
In response, the EPA removed "all references to quantified ozone benefits" in
the proposed rule, according to an e-mail sent by EPA to the OMB. The small
engine regulation is awaiting final action.