Evaluating the health impact of air pollution control strategies and synergies among PM2.5 and O3 pollution in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China
Zhuang Shao, Xi Zheng, Zhao Jing, Yushan Liu
Abstract
Since 2013, China has implemented a series of strict Air Pollution Control Strategies (APCS) to mitigate environmental and health risks associated with ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). However, while APCS sets clear targets for PM 2.5 concentration, it lacks quantitative control over O 3 levels. Most existing studies have focused on nation-wide health assessments. Therefore, by conducting a coupled framework using health assessment and decomposition method, the spatiotemporal variation in deaths attributable to PM 2.5 pollution, as well as the role of APCS and the synergies between PM 2.5 and O 3 on PM 2.5 concentration and health impacts in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region have been explored. The result showed that: (1) PM 2.5 concentration in the BTH region decreased by 68.2%, with a reduction of 45,833 (95% CI: 33,808, 50,069) deaths over the period. However, both concentrations and mortality remained high, indicating a need for faster reductions. (2) End-of-pipe control contributed the most to reducing PM 2.5 concentrations and deaths, though the gaps between source control and end-of-pipe control is narrowing. (3) The synergistic effects of O 3 and PM 2.5 in reducing concentration and mortality have increased, becoming a significant driver of PM 2.5 -related health impacts. Our study emphasizes the future importance of implementing refined, diverse emission reduction measures and coordinating efforts to reduce both O 3 and PM 2.5 emissions, which are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing the "Beautiful China" and "Healthy China" initiatives . • GEMM and LMDI are coupled to analyze PM 2.5 health effects in the BTH region. • Vulnerability and Pollution Exposure are used to analyse effectiveness of APCS • Quantitative insights into the effectiveness of APCS and health effects are provided. • The gap between the health benefits of different measures has narrowed. • Synergistic effect of O 3 and PM 2.5 is one of the main drivers of PM2.5 health effect.