FRESNO, CA (AP) -- State air quality managers say pollution caused by tiny particles of soot, smoke and dust may be responsible for as many as 24,000 early deaths in California each year.

Scientists with the Air Resources Board say the particulate pollution present throughout the state is more than twice as dangerous to human health as previously thought.

Diesel engines and the dust generated by the agriculture and construction industries cause the minute specks of pollution, which are linked to respiratory problems, heart attacks and lung cancer.

The state Environmental Protection Agency says deaths resulting from exposure to particulate pollution are costing nearly $70 billion in hospitalization fees, medical expenses and lost work days each year.