Environment Ministry will study air pollution in 16 areas throughout the nation to determine people's level of exposure to diesel exhaust particulates and determine the associated health risks.
The study was recommended by a ministerial working group of experts reviewing the health risk of particulate matter. The group met for the fifth time Friday.
The study will specifically tackle particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 microns -- known as PM2.5 -- and analyze it to determine the ratio stemming from diesel exhaust. A micron is a millionth of a meter.
These particles, invisible to the naked eye and small enough to lodge in the respiratory system, are believed to cause cancer and induce other respiratory ailments.
The studies will begin next month in 16 as yet unspecified areas deemed to have pollution levels representative of other regions around the nation. Diesel particulate pollution will be analyzed through all seasons in the areas.
In conjunction with the larger analysis of particulate pollution around the nation, a study will also be held targeting 1,000 adults and children in three of the 16 areas where air pollution studies will be undertaken.