Abstract:
Objective This study aims to investigate the mortality burden and health economic health losses attributable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in Zibo from 2014 to 2022, and to provide scientific basis for air pollution prevention and control policy making.
Methods The annual average concentration of PM2.5, the number of permanent residents, gross regional product, disposable income per capita and mortality data were collected from 2014 to 2022. The global exposure mortality model (GEMM) was used to estimate the impact of PM2.5 pollution on residents' mortality burden and the value of statistical life was used to quantify the associated health economic losses.
Results In Zibo, the average annual concentration decrease rate of PM2.5, during 2014—2022 was 8.67%, but the average annual concentration was still higher than the national secondary annual PM2.5 standard (35 μg/m3). PM2.5 pollution has caused serious health hazards and economic losses for residents in Zibo. The total health economic losses of PM2.5-related all-cause, non-accidental, circulatory disease and respiratory disease from 2014 to 2022 was 263.52(95%CI: 202.52-321.91), 248.76(95%CI: 191.17-303.89), 136.64 (95%CI: 105.00-166.95) and 18.65(95%CI: 14.34-22.77)billion yuan, respectively, accounting for 0.71%, 0.67%, 0.37% and 0.05% of the local GDP. As PM2.5 concentration decreased, both attributable deaths and health economic losses showed a declining trend. If the annual average concentration of PM2.5 could be reduced to the latest Air Quality Guideline standard value (5 μg/m3) recommended by the World Health Organization, the number of PM2.5-related deaths would be decreased by 37 685, and the health economic loss would be decreased by 257.99 billion yuan in Zibo.
Conclusion From 2014 to 2022, PM2.5 concentration in Zibo decreased significantly, resulting in reduced health loss and economic loss. Controlling PM2.5 pollution can obtain health and economic benefits.