Population ageing and deaths attributable to ambient PM2·5 pollution: a global analysis of economic cost

BackgroundThe health impacts of ambient air pollution impose large costs on society. Although all people are exposed to pollution, the older population (ie, those aged ?60 years) tends be disproportionally affected. As a result, there is growing concern about as many countries undergo rapid ageing. We investigated spatial and temporal variation in economic cost deaths attributable its interaction with ageing from 2000 2016 at global regional levels.MethodsIn this analysis, we developed an age-adjusted measure value statistical life-year (VSLY) estimate PM2·5 using Global Burden Diseases, Injuries, Risk Factors Study 2017 data country-level socioeconomic information. First, estimated age-specific cause-specific mortality years life lost (YLLs) exposure model estimates 0·1° × (about 11 km equator) resolution. Second, for each year between 2016, translated YLLs within age group into health-related country-specific, VSLY. Third, decomposed major driving factors that contributed change related PM2·5. Finally, did sensitivity test analyse variability four alternative valuation measures. identified uncertainty intervals (UIs) 1000 draws parameters concentration–response functions by age, cause, country, year. All values reported 2011 purchasing power parity-adjusted US dollars. simulations were done R, version 3.6.0.FindingsGlobally, was have caused 8·42 million (95% UI 6·50–10·52) deaths, which associated 163·68 (116·03–219·44) YLLs. In US$2·40 trillion (1·89–2·93) accounting 59% (59–60) total ($4·09 [3·19–5·05]). The per capita $2739 (2160–3345) 10 times younger <60 years). By assessing costs, found increases these changed 77% gross domestic product (GDP) capita, 21% ageing, 16% growth, ?41% mortality, ?0·4% exposure.InterpretationThe borne almost doubled driven primarily GDP growth. Compared people, leads disproportionately higher among even after their relatively shorter expectancy increased disability. world's disproportionate potentially widens inequities people. Countries severe rates need take immediate actions improve quality. addition, strategies aimed enhancing health-care services, especially targeting population, could beneficial reducing pollution.FundingNational Natural Science Foundation China, China Postdoctoral Foundation, Qiushi Foundation. levels. 3.6.0. Globally, exposure. pollution.