Avoidable loss of life expectancy from ambient fine particulate matter in Korea: A national assessment based on...

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a major environmental risk factor for premature death. Although global studies have estimated its health burden, most focused on excess deaths. Evaluations remain limited regarding its impact on life expectancy, an intuitive measure. This study estimated the avoidable life expectancy loss attributable to long-term PM_2.5 exposure in Korea using cause-specific years of life lost (YLL) derived from national mortality data.

Modeled annual PM_2.5 concentrations were used to calculate population-weighted exposures at the regional and national levels for 2010-2019 and 2023. Age- and sex-standardized YLL were computed by cause of death. Negative binomial mixed-effects models assessed associations between PM_2.5 and YLL. Excess YLL were estimated for reductions in PM_2.5 to target levels (5, 10, and 15 μg/m³) and converted into avoidable life expectancy loss per person using population size and national life expectancy at birth.

PM_2.5 was significantly associated with YLL from all-cause, non-accidental, circulatory, ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer mortality. Meeting the World Health Organization guideline (5 μg/m³) could have prevented 0.32 years of life expectancy loss in 2023, with regional disparities persisting (0.24-0.45 years).

Continued reductions in PM_2.5 could yield life expectancy gains.