Sustained control of PM_2.5 concentrations in low concentration areas can improve life expectancy for patients with...

A growing number of studies suggest that exposure to particulate matters with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) below air quality standards still increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the risk of death from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, the largest cause of CVD death. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PM_2.5 exposure at lower levels on years of life lost (YLL) and potential life expectancy benefits for IHD and stroke. We investigated the relationship between daily PM_2.5 and YLL for IHD and stroke using a generalized additive model (GAM) based on Poisson distribution. Furthermore, we extended our analysis to estimate the Potential Gain in Life Expectancy (PGLE) and the Attributable Fraction (AF) under the current Chinese air quality standards and more stringent World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. Findings reveal that for each 10 µg/m³ increase in PM_2.5, YLL rose by 1.69 years for IHD and 1.34 years for stroke, with the most significant effects observed on the day of exposure for IHD and three days post-exposure for stroke. The impact was more pronounced among women and those aged ≥ 65 years. If PM_2.5 levels met the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines, PGLE of 0.22 years for IHD and 0.16 years for stroke could be achieved. The study highlights the need for stricter PM_2.5 control measures to enhance cardiovascular health and reduce mortality, even in regions with relatively low pollution levels.