Population exposure evaluation and value loss analysis of PM_2.5 and ozone in China

In recent years, increasing concern has been observed in China regarding PM_2.5 and ozone as major atmospheric pollutants, which pose significant risks to air quality and public health. This study analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of PM_2.5 and O₃ in 31 provinces of China in 2022 using mathematical statistics and kriging interpolation, assessed the exposure risk of the public applying a population exposure risk model, evaluated the number of premature deaths with the help of an exposure-response function, and estimated the loss of health value according to a modified human capital approach. The findings indicated that: First, the PM_2.5 concentration followed a monthly "U" trend, while the O₃ concentration exhibited an inverted "U" trend. Simultaneous high levels of PM_2.5 and O₃ were primarily noted in spring. In contrast, PM_2.5-dominated and ozone-dominated pollution were more prevalent in winter and summer, respectively. Second, the risk of public exposure to them displayed a spatially parallel distribution for PM_2.5 and O₃, with higher risks generally found east of the Heihe-Tengchong Line compared to the west. Third, an estimated 31.99 × 10⁴ individuals were projected to suffer premature mortality, with 22.58 × 10⁴ and 9.41 × 10⁴ linked to PM_2.5 and ozone, respectively. The economic costs associated with premature deaths due to them were 214.31 billion and 94.53 billion yuan, respectively, representing 7.53% of GDP. These results were based on well-continued large spatial scale PM_2.5 and O₃ concentration data, and population data, and highlighted the significant impacts of both on public health in China. The combination of socio-economic data to quantify the loss of health value enriched the study and provided a targeted program for developing pollution control measures in different regions of China.