Researchers from Brigham Young University and New York University find more evidence that air pollution poses serious health risks. In a study of 500,000 urbanites, researchers studied participants’ health records form 1982 through 1998 and analyzed annual air pollution averages in participants’ cities. The study revealed that on average, people in the most polluted cities had about a 12 percent increased risk of dying of lung cancer per year than those in cities with less pollution. The average pollution level for all 100 cities was 14 micrograms and researchers declined to name the cities studied.

NYU environmental scientist and co-author, George Thurston, compared the risks of air pollution to those faced by nonsmokers who are constantly exposed to second-hand smoke. Lung cancer death rates were then compared with average pollution levels, as measured in micrograms per cubic meter of air. The findings were that the number of lung cancer deaths increased 8 percent for every increase of 10 micrograms. Other heart- and lung-related causes of death increased 6 percent for every 10-microgram increase.

The research is vital in further showing that the soot emitted by cars and trucks, coal-fired power plants and factory smokestacks create a health risk, strengthening the case for new emission-reducing technologies.