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(NaturalNews) Exposure to high levels of smog for less than a day significantly increases a person's risk of death, according to a report by a panel of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The committee has concluded from its review of health-based evidence that short-term exposure to ambient ozone is likely to contribute to premature deaths," the panel said. "Studies have yielded strong evidence that short-term exposure to ozone can exacerbate lung conditions, causing illness and hospitalization and can potentially lead to death."

Because the panel only examined exposure for up to a maximum of 24 hours, it noted that the risk from long-term exposure "may be larger than those observed in acute effects studies alone."

The study directly contradicted claims by the Bush administration that there is no evidence linking high smog levels to early death. The administration has resisted stricter standards on smog.

The primary ingredient of smog is ozone, which is formed from nitrogen oxide and organic compounds released from car engines and other fossil-fuel-burning sources. While it has long been known to increase the risk of respiratory problems such as asthma, particularly in children and the elderly, government officials have claimed that the link between smog and death was less than proven.

Environmentalists and public health advocates have long contested this position. According to Vickie Patton, deputy general counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund, the current report finally "refutes the White House skepticism and denial."

"The report is a rebuke of the Bush administration which has consistently tried to downplay the connection between smog and premature death," said Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch.

The researchers were unable to find any level of ozone exposure that could be considered safe. They found that even short-term exposure to the maximum levels allowed by the federal government significantly increased the risk of early death.

Sources for this story include: ap.google.com.

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