Assessment of PM2.5 pollution features and health advantages in Northwest China

Abstract

The elevated concentration of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere is closely associated with the morbidity and mortality of human diseases. In northwest China, fine particulate matter pollution has persistently affected local health, production, and daily life due to climatic factors and economic development. This paper first examines the distribution and variation of PM_2.5 concentrations in northwest China from 2013 to 2022 to understand changes in PM_2.5 exposure levels, as well as their associated health and economic benefits since the implementation of the “Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan.” Second, we estimated the number of premature deaths in the research region under various control scenarios based on PM_2.5 concentrations recorded in 2013 and 2021, utilizing existing epidemiological studies for reference. Finally, we calculated the financial benefits resulting from variations in PM_2.5 concentrations within this region. Results indicated that (1) from 2013 to 2022, the Tarim Basin exhibited the highest PM_2.5 concentration among all studied areas, while northern Xinjiang and Qinghai Province had notably lower levels. Additionally, wintertime concentrations were consistently higher than those observed during summer months; however, there has been a general trend toward reduced PM_2.5 content over the past decade. (2) A significant inverse relationship was found between premature mortality rates and PM_2.5 concentrations; specifically, fluctuations in PM_2.5 levels exerted a more pronounced impact on premature deaths attributable to cardiovascular diseases compared to respiratory conditions within this northwest region. (3) Males were disproportionately affected by increases in PM_2.5 concentration relative to females—experiencing two to three times more early fatalities than their female counterparts did. (4) Over a 9-year period within this research area, fiscal benefits derived from interventions targeting PM_2.5 treatment increased by approximately 891 million yuan.