Poor air in California 'costing $28 billion annually'

Poor air quality is costing the US state of California a total of $28 billion (£18.9 billion) in medical costs on a yearly basis, it has been claimed.

Problem areas are Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley, two of the country's most polluted areas, according to a new report conducted by researchers at California State University.

The study, which examined how greater measures to reduce air pollution could impact positively upon the economy, also found that health care costs, premature deaths and loss of income due to environment-related illnesses amounts to $1,250 per person annually.

Leading author of the study Jane Hall said: "It may be tempting to think California can't afford to clean up, but in fact, dirty air is like a $28 billion lead balloon on our economy", she added.

This news follows the announcement made last month that chromium 6 levels in the air surrounding a Californian cement plant are safe following abnormally high readings during the summer.