Respiratory problems

The category of respiratory problems includes such illnesses as pneumonia, which in 2002 was the fifth leading cause of mortality throughout the state,[1] as well as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, which were all among the top twenty leading causes of death.  Asthma primarily affects children, and in 2003, it was identified as the eighth leading cause of death amongst the infant population.[2]

The high incidence of respiratory illness in the state is likely due to high levels of environmental pollution, especially from airborne sources such as dust laced with chemicals used in agricultural production, particulate matter from unpaved roads, and power plant emissions.  The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Federal Electricity Commission-CFE) has an agreement with SEMARNAT to control emissions from its power plants[3], but there is insufficient enforcement, which has led to lax oversight of La Paz and Puerto San Carlos facilities as well as postponed infrastructure upgrades.  A recent investment of USD$18 million for pollution control equipment in Punta Prieta in La Paz should improve the air pollution nearby.[4]