Screening Approach for Short-Term PM2.5 Health Co-Benefits: A Case Study from 15 Metropolitan Cities around the World during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fifteen cities across the world have been selected to investigate public health co-benefits of PM2.5 reduction, during a period when various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were adopted in COVID-19 pandemic. Through applying model, AirQ+, substantial spatial variations global identified. Differences seasonal air quality and population baselines key underlying factors. For North America, NPIs introduced low pollution season, generating no co-benefits. On other hand, tremendous observed for India China, due high background with large population. Among all, New Delhi has received largest co-benefits, which saved over 14,700 premature deaths. As level (i.e., 45 μg m−3) still exceeded standard, more rigorous emission controls are urgently needed protect public′s India. At last, novel practical tool co-benefit screening was developed using data from one measurement networks IQAir).