Ontario's doctors have released a study showing that the air Ontarians breathe causes illness and premature death. As a result, the association representing Ontario's 23,000 doctors is calling for more stringent ambient air controls in the province. A recent study commissioned by the Ontario government calculates that as many as 1800 people a year are dying in Ontario from polluted air. This is a preventable tragedy. The OMA's paper reviews recent medical research and concludes that ground-level ozone, acid aerosols and particulates in the air in the Great Lakes Basin make people sick in both urban and rural communities and cost the health care system millions of dollars annually.
Summer is the worst time of year for stagnant air to blanket the countryside.
Children and the elderly throughout the province are particularly at risk. If Ontario's doctors, industry, government and Ontario citizens cooperate to reduce air pollution in this province, an enormous economic burden will be lifted from the health care system. The OMA's recommendations focus on steps both physicians, industry and governments can take to raise awareness about air pollution and reduce emissions from coal-burning power plants, cars and trucks, transborder and other sources of pollution. The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 23,000 doctors. Key recommendations are attached.