Doctors announce death toll from Algoma smog

Killer smog will cause 46 premature deaths in Algoma this year, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) announced today.

And regional breakdowns released by the province's doctors indicate that figure will rise to 81 by the year 2026.

The following is a news release issued today by the OMA:

******************** Deadly smog impacting communities across Ontario

New data reveals the regional impact of smog in cities throughout the province

TORONTO, June 24 - 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 wellbeing 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 complete breakdowns of the impact smog will have in specific communities in Ontario, please go to www.oma.org ******************** ILLNESS COSTS OF AIR POLLUTION REGIONAL DATA FOR 2005 WITH PROJECTIONS TO 2026

Algoma Premature Deaths = 46 (81 in 2026) Hospital Admissions = 99 (152 in 2026) Emergency Visits = 402 (620 in 2026) Minor Illness Days = 252,390 Health Care Costs = $ 4 M Lost Productivity Costs = $ 3.19 M