Canadians Fearful Poor Air Quality is Affecting Their Health

Canadians Fearful Poor Air Quality is Affecting Their Health

Forty per cent of Canadians feel their health has been affected by poor air quality and most feel the government is not doing enough to fix the problem, says an IBM survey on the environment’s impact on health. The national survey of 2,956 Canadians conducted in February 2007 also found 12 per cent of Canadians think soil contamination and 11 per cent of Canadians think poor drinking water quality have negatively affected their health.

Researchers are increasingly gathering scientific evidence on the links between poor environmental conditions and chronic illnesses. In fact, the Canadian Medical Association Journal stated air pollution has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer.

“It’s clear many Canadians have very serious concerns related to their health and the environment, especially when it comes to the air they breathe,” said Neil Stuart, a partner in IBM’s healthcare consulting practice. “The good news from the survey is while most feel the environment has gotten worse, the majority also are taking personal action to reduce their risks.”

According to the IBM survey, for one in 20 this means moving to another town or city. More than half of respondents, however, focus on reducing the effects of pollutants inside their homes. For others it means spreading the word (46 per cent), or signing a petition (30 per cent).

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