Quantifying the Potential Co-Benefit of Air Quality Improvement on Cultural Heritage in China

Atmospheric pollutants can corrode heritage materials, especially stone, which cause a great loss that goes far beyond the economic losses of degraded materials. Over past decades, conventional air have been slashed owing to clean actions in China, produces significant co-benefit for conservation. However, benefits may be offset by increases photochemical oxidants smog, such as ozone, damage This study employed dose–response functions quantify impacts on surface recession limestone structures and assessed potential quality improvement The results show annual rate decreased from 9.69 μmy−1 2006 6.71 2020, resulting 41.4% increase number sites meeting ICP Materials (International Co-operative Program Effects including Historic Cultural Monuments) control target 8 µmy−1 2020. avoided CNY 136.2 million site maintenance costs. risk shows distinct regional differences; southern northwest regions are still at higher material corrosion level than northern Qinghai–Tibet regions. Nationwide, PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less 10 μm) is main factor responsible China. provides evidence Further, also puts forward policy recommendations conservation, assessing pollution risk, promoting conservation through social sustainability, implementing differentiated strategies.