Specific analysis of PM-attributed disease burden in typical areas of Northwest China.

Background: Frequent air pollution events in Northwest China pose a serious threat to human health. However, there is a lack of specific differences assessment in PM-related disease burden. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the PM-related premature deaths and health economic losses in this typical northwest region, taking into account disease-specific, age-specific, and region-specific factors.

Methods: We utilized the WRF-Chem model to simulate and analyze the characteristics and exposure levels of PM pollution in Gansu Province, a typical region of Northwest China. Subsequently, we estimated the premature mortality and health economic losses associated with PM by combining the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) and the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL).

Results: The results suggested that the PM concentrations in Gansu Province in 2019 varied spatially, with a decrease from north to south. The number of non-accidental deaths attributable to PM pollution was estimated to be 14,224 (95% CI: 11,716-16,689), accounting for 8.6% of the total number of deaths. The PM-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 PM-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 PM-attributed deaths was lower in the Hexi Corridor region, the per capita health economic loss was higher.

Conclusion: 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 PM pollution.