Air Pollution Ups Medical Costs for Elderly

TUESDAY, Nov. 12, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- Air pollution is causing an increase, especially for respiratory problems, in medical care and costs among elderly Americans.

That frightening finding appears in the November/December issue of Health Affairs.

The study by researchers from Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, found that people seek medical care more often in areas that have higher levels of air pollution than in areas with cleaner air.

The researchers looked at medical records and air pollution control measures in 183 American metropolitan areas. They adjusted their findings to account for various differences such as smoking, obesity, region, income and education levels.

They compared cities with the most pollution to those with the least. They found little difference in surgery rates but found there were 19 percent more hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in areas with high air pollution levels.

The study found that air pollution is worst in areas with the largest populations and in the West region of the United States, while Florida and the Big Sky region (Rocky Mountains and adjacent states) had the lowest air pollution levels.

The study authors say there is no data to directly link individual health problems to air pollution. They say their statistical methods establish a presumption of casual relationship between health and air pollution but don't offer conclusive evidence.

However, the authors do say that reducing air pollution can improve people's health and reduce health-care costs.

More information

Here's where to go to learn more about the health effects of air pollution.