Regional joint PM2.5-O3 control policy benefits further air quality improvement and human health protection in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and its surrounding areas
Hongliang Zhang , Junyi Wang , Aifang Gao , Shaorong Li , Yuehua Liu , Weifeng Zhao , Peng Wang
DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.036
Received March 24, 2022,Revised , Accepted June 25, 2022, Available online July 06, 2022
Volume 35,2023,Pages 75-84
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and its surrounding areas (hereinafter referred to as “2+26” cities) are one of the most severe air pollution areas in China. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and surface ozone (O3) pollution have aroused a significant concern on the national scale. In this study, we analyzed the pollution characteristics of PM2.5 and O3 in “2+26” cities, and then estimated the health burden and economic loss before and after the implementation of the joint PM2.5-O3 control policy. During 2017–2019, PM2.5 concentration reduced by 19% while the maximum daily 8 hr average (MDA8) O3 stayed stable in “2+26” cities. Spatially, PM2.5 pollution in the south-central area and O3 pollution in the central region were more severe than anywhere else. With the reduction in PM2.5 concentration, premature deaths from PM2.5 decreased by 18% from 2017 to 2019. In contrast, premature deaths from O3 increased by 5%. Noticeably, the huge potential health benefits can be gained after the implementation of a joint PM2.5-O3 control policy. The premature deaths attributed to PM2.5 and O3 would be reduced by 91.6% and 89.1%, and the avoidable economic loss would be 60.8 billion Chinese Yuan (CNY), and 68.4 billion CNY in 2035 compared with that in 2019, respectively. Therefore, it is of significance to implement the joint PM2.5-O3 control policy for improving public health and economic development.
