September 24th , 2004

Contacts:
Andy Weisser, (818) 703-6444, aweisser@earthlink.net
www.californialung.org
or your local American Lung Association at (800) LUNG-USA.

American Lung Association of California Statement by John Balmes, MD Regarding California Air Resources Board's Decision to Adopt Global Warming Air Pollution Regulation

(September 24, 2004, Los Angeles, CA) The American Lung Association of California applauds the California Air Resources Board for taking action to protect public health by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and passing this important role-model regulation.

Once again, California has taken a bold step to help protect public health and maintain its worldwide leadership in cleaner cars.

California already experiences the worst air quality in the country and global warming will only make our pollution problems worse. Elevated smog levels that are expected to result from global warming may cause or exacerbate serious health problems, including damage to lung tissue, reduced lung function, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and increased hospitalizations for people with cardiac and respiratory illnesses.

The American Lung Association of California calls on all car companies to embrace California 's landmark clean car regulation, listen to their customers who continue to request cleaner cars, and step up their production of hybrid-electric, natural gas and other cleaner vehicles.

A poll sponsored by the American Lung Association of California documents that 87 percent of California adults say that it is very or somewhat important for California to take a leading role in enforcing laws to reduce car emissions that lead to global warming pollution.

The fact is that cleaner cars always produce consumer waiting lists. That was proven with electric cars and is being repeated with hybrid-electric and natural gas vehicles.

Everyone in California will breathe easier because of this regulation, but especially children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or other lung illnesses.

For 100 years, the American Lung Association has been the lead organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is “Improving life, one breath at a time.” For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1.800.LUNG.USA (1.800.586.4872) or visit www.californialung.org or www.lungusa.org.call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.californialung.org.