Offroad construction equipment pollution is health hazard

Reuters reports: Calif. construction pollution killed 1,100 in '05

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Pollution from the construction industry led to the deaths of more than 1,100 people in California in 2005, a report released on Tuesday by the Union of Concerned Scientists said.

The report, "Digging up Trouble," uses statistical analysis of state data on construction, causes of death, and pollution to link mortality with construction activity in the state.

It claims to be first to analyze the health and economic impact of pollution from construction equipment in California.

The average lifespan of a bulldozer is 29 years. The report said if modified, older engines can cut emissions by as much as 90 percent.

About 70 percent of the heavy construction equipment used in California in 2005 was old enough not to have to face any emissions control regulations, said Don Anair, vehicles engineer at the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists.

California's construction industry contributed $68 billion to the economy in 2005, according to the state.

The industry for the past two years has worked with state officials to make "practical and realistic" regulations, said John Hakel, vice president of government relations for the Associated General Contractors of California.