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News Release August 31, 2006Editors note: Both Lee Hannah and Dale Stephenson are available for interviews. Dale is available Monday, Tuesday or Friday mornings at 426-3795. Lee is available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 426-2508. Boise State Study Strengthens Link Between Bad Air, Health Issues in Treasure Valley A recent study by Boise State University researchers shows a strong link between a marked decline in air quality in the Treasure Valley and increased visits to doctors’ offices, emergency departments and hospitals. The study involved 27 months of data covering more than a million health care visits for nine different health issues ranging from asthma to heart attacks. The pollutant examined was particulate matter, both PM10, which is coarse particulate matter (from wood burning, road sanding, and construction dust) and PM2.5, also called fine particulate matter (from auto exhaust and livestock waste). Researchers collected data from Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield and Medicaid for patients under the age of 65 who visited a doctor between Oct. 1, 2002, and Dec. 31, 2004. That data was cross-referenced with air quality monitor data from the Department of Environmental Quality. Results show a definite increase in upper and lower respiratory disease risk when air quality declines, as well as an increased risk in heart disease within three days after a rise in particulate matter. The study was unique in that it involved data from outpatient visits as well as hospital visits. It also excluded Medicare patients, meaning the study represents fairly healthy adults instead of the more vulnerable sector of society. “The bottom line is that even small changes in air quality in the Treasure Valley affect health. Every 10 unit increase in PM2.5 results in a measurable increase in doctors visits,” said Boise State researcher Lee Hannah, a faculty member in the Department of Community and Environmental Health. “Instead of thinking of this as an individual problem, we need to approach it from a public health perspective. Increased visits cost money, with all of those costs being paid by Treasure Valley residents through taxes and increased insurance premiums.” While average monthly readings tended to be within or close to Environmental Protection Agency recommended maximums, daily maximum readings often far exceeded those levels. “There are some people who believe we don’t have a problem here, so there are economic and political hurdles to overcome,” said Dale Stephenson, director of the Center for Excellence for Environmental Health and Safety at Boise State. Researchers hope this data will encourage the Legislature to look at regulating sources of particulate matter through emission controls, alternative transportation, commuting practices, energy conservation and industrial and agricultural management. “I hope the Legislature takes a comprehensive view of this issue,” Hannah said. “The costs for public health measures, such as public transportation, will be offset by savings in state funds from fewer Medicaid health care visits.” For more information on air quality or recommendations for improving air quality, visit the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council Web site at www.treasurevalleyair.org or the Department of Environmental Quality Web site at www.deq.state.id.us. -30- Contact: Lee Hannah, Department of Community and Environmental Health, (208) 426-2506, ElizabethHannah@boisestate.eduMedia Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.eduBoise State University is the largest institution of higher education in Idaho with about 18,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff. More than 190 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and technical degrees are offered within eight colleges. A metropolitan university located in the capital city, Boise State is committed to life-enhancing research, teaching excellence and public service.
email communications@boisestate.edu Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007
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