Health and Economic Impact Estimation of Ambient Air Particulate Matter (PM_2.5) Pollution in Addis Ababa Using...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Environmental Economics

Background:

• Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution poses a major public health and economic challenge in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Ethiopia's National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines were exceeded in 2019.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the health and economic impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Addis Ababa.
• To evaluate the benefits of reducing PM2.5 to international and national air quality standards.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) software.
• Estimated mortality attributable to PM2.5 for cardiovascular diseases, COPD, and LRI.
• Quantified economic benefits using the OECD's Value of Statistical Life (VSL) methodology.

Main Results:

• PM2.5 levels in Addis Ababa exceeded both WHO and Ethiopian air quality standards in 2019.
• Reducing PM2.5 concentrations led to decreased mortality rates across multiple health endpoints.
• Significant economic benefits, totaling millions of dollars, were observed from avoided deaths.

Conclusions:

• Implementing interventions to mitigate PM2.5 pollution is crucial for improving public health in Addis Ababa.
• Reducing air pollution offers substantial economic savings and societal well-being benefits.
• Findings are applicable to other urban areas facing similar air quality challenges.