High levels of air pollution from industrial enterprises and automobile emissions are threatening public health in Kazakhstan. Over 60% of air pollution comes from automobile exhaust, and industrial emissions contribute over 2 million tons of pollutants annually. Living near industrial centers exposes residents to harmful chemicals, dust, noise and other pollution. Specific problems include dangerous emissions from oil and gas enterprises, and copper smelting near Lake Balkhash which creates sulfur and dust pollution. The long term effects of air pollution include deteriorating public health, rising disease rates such as tuberculosis and respiratory illness, and decreased life expectancy. Immediate action is needed to reduce industrial and vehicle emissions and clean up Kazakhstan's air pollution.