The report by the California Air Resources Board says Californians exposed to particle pollution had their lives cut short by an average of 10 years.
The estimate, based on a review of new research across the nation about the hazards posed by microscopic particles, is triple the previous official estimate of 8,200, according to state researchers.
The report based on scientific literature says a majority of these deaths occur in highly populated areas around the state, including the South Coast, the San Joaquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay air basins. Rates of heart attacks, strokes and other serious disease increase exponentially after exposure to even slightly higher amounts of metal or dust, the study found.
Particulate matter, or PM, is a complex blend of substances ranging from dry solid fragments, solid-core fragments with liquid coatings, and small droplets of liquid. These particles vary in shape, size and chemical composition, and may include metals, soot, soil and dust, the report said.
These fine particulate materials are produced by all combustion processes. Major emitters include trucks, passenger cars, off-road equipment and electric power generation. This also includes industrial processes, residential wood burning, as well as forest and agricultural burning.
Based on this factor, the board staff estimated that diesel exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) 2.5 can be associated with about 14,000 to 24,000 premature deaths each year in California. PM2.5 exposure can also lead to asthma symptoms and acute and chronic bronchitis, especially in children, the elderly and people with pre-existing chronic disease.
