Air Pollution and Mortality Rates

To the left is a graph of mortality rates in six US cities plotted against the number of fine particulate (particles less than 2.5 microns) contained in a specific volume of air, or particulate concentration. The graph clearly shows a correlation between the number of fine particles and death rates. The cities with higher fine particle concentrations also display a higher mortality rate.

Similarly, AMES testing has shown the carcinogenic effect pollution can have. AMES testing is a test of the ability of a chemical to cause mutations and thereby act as a carcinogen.

To the right is a graph showing the carcinogenic effect of air pollution as it relates to the quality of the air filter employed. Higher efficiency filters - 60% (F7) and above - dramatically reduce the carcinogenic effect of air pollution when studied using AMES.