Frequent air pollution events in Northwest China pose a serious threat to human health. However, there is a lack of specific differences assessment in PM2.5-related disease burden. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the PM2.5-related premature deaths and health economic losses in this typical northwest region, taking into account disease-specific, age-specific, and region-specific factors.
We utilized the WRF-Chem model to simulate and analyze the characteristics and exposure levels of PM2.5 pollution in Gansu Province, a typical region of Northwest China. Subsequently, we estimated the premature mortality and health economic losses associated with PM2.5 by combining the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) and the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL).
The results suggested that the PM2.5 concentrations in Gansu Province in 2019 varied spatially, with a decrease from north to south. The number of non-accidental deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution was estimated to be 14,224 (95% CI: 11,716–16,689), accounting for 8.6% of the total number of deaths. The PM2.5-related health economic loss amounted to 28.66 (95% CI: 23.61–33.63) billion yuan, equivalent to 3.3% of the regional gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke were the leading causes of PM2.5-attributed deaths, contributing to 50.6% of the total. Older adult individuals aged 60 and above accounted for over 80% of all age-related disease deaths. Lanzhou had a higher number of attributable deaths and health economic losses compared to other regions. Although the number of PM2.5-attributed deaths was lower in the Hexi Corridor region, the per capita health economic loss was higher.
Gansu Province exhibits distinct regional characteristics in terms of PM2.5 pollution as well as disease- and age-specific health burdens. This highlights the significance of implementing tailored measures that are specific to local conditions to mitigate the health risks and economic ramifications associated with PM2.5 pollution.