Title: Controlling Air Pollution: Is the Pain Worth the Gain?
Abstract: Epidemiological studies, conducted in several countries, have consistently demonstrated associations between ambient concentrations of ambient air pollution and adverse health outcomes, including pre- mature mortality, cardio-respiratory hospitalizations, emergency department visits for respiratory diseases, asthma attacks, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity. These associations have prompted regulatory agencies in several countries, including Canada, to either revise current air pollution standards or establish new guidelines. Recent epidemiological research in Canada linking air quality and health is reviewed. Economic approaches to evaluating costs and health benefits of controlling air pollutants are discussed, and their use is illustrated in evaluating the consequences of reducing the sulphur content of gasoline. Ongoing epidemiological research on the health effects of air pollution is outlined. Borchure