From: https://cleanairfairbanks.wordpress.com/
Clean Air Fairbanks. By Sylvia Shultz, Clean Air Fairbanks; Brian Moench, M.D.; Owen Hanley, M.D.; and Patrice Lee, Co-Coordinator, Citizens for Clean Air. December 17, 2014. Report Preventable Deaths From PM2.5 Air Pollution in Fairbanks
From the report Summary:
“Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an 11.5 to 23.5
percent increased number of deaths in Fairbanks, Alaska. The higher end of the range applies toareas with higher PM2.5 concentrations, such as North Pole. Each year, an estimated 50 to 101 deaths in the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) are associated with PM2.5 air pollution. Reducing ambient PM2.5 concentrations and ambient exposure would prevent these premature deaths.
A strengthening body of scientific studies supports a causal, essentially linear relationship
between PM2.5 exposure and morbidity and mortality. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), referred to as “fine” particles, have been found to pose the greatest health risks. Because of their small size (approximately 1/30th the average width of a human hair), fine particles can lodge deeply into the lungs, trigger acute cardiovascular events, and promote disease.
Implications: Lives are lost year after year as air pollution is prolonged. Taking every action possible to reduce air pollution will save lives now.”
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