Doctors say smog is a public health crisis
Copyright © 2000 CBC, Radio-Canada
June 27, 2000
WebPosted Tue Jun 27 22:18:33 2000TORONTO - The organization representing Ontario's doctors is calling on the province and Ottawa to remedy the smog situation soon.
The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) released a report Tuesday. It says air pollution kills 1,800 people in Ontario every year.
Smog kills hundreds every year, costs $1 billion
The report says bad air quality costs the economy and health care system $1 billion annually. That includes the millions of sick days people take away from work.
"Air pollution is contributing directly to respiratory and cardiac problems," said Albert Schumacher of the OMA. The organization represents 23,000 doctors.
Dr. Albert Schumacher
"Asthma has proven to be a particularly sensitive illness to air pollution effects," said Schumacher. "Children and the elderly are especially affected by pollution-related illness."
"The results are seen in the emergency rooms, hospital beds and doctors' offices."
Some of the key recommendations include funding for energy conservation projects and for a comprehensive transit system for the Toronto area.
It also calls on governments to crack down on emissions from factories and cars, such as sport utility vehicles or trucks.