Life expectancy in Moldova is by 10 years shorter than in the EU mainly due to the high mortality rate and low birth rate and the late detection of disease, Minister of Health Andrei Usatyi said when presenting a report for 2010, Info-Prim Neo reports. The minister said that Moldova may face a serious demographic crisis in 25 years. The death rate during the next 20 years will stay high. The demographic decline in Moldova is principally determined by the poor living conditions and the late detection of disease. Besides social factors, the medical services provided at the right time play an important role in improving life expectancy. 65% of the deaths are caused by non-transmitted diseases resulting from excessive air and water pollution. The diseases of the respiratory system were the leading cause of death in 2010. They were followed by the diseases of the digestive system. The Ministry of Health says only 10% of the diseases result from the malfunctioning of certain organs. Health specialists aim to reduce the death rate among working people by 10% during the next years.