Spatio-temporal health benefits attributable to PM2.5 reduction in an Indian city

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked with a wide spectrum of human health effects and has the highest contribution to total air pollution mortality. This study aims to quantify health benefits of reducing PM2.5 concentration to World Health Organization standard (annual mean = 10 mu g m(-3)) for various health endpoints during 2011-2019 period using AirQ+ and BenMAP-CE software packages. Intraurban assessment in Vellore city, India was done by estimating health benefits at ward level. Both software packages estimated annual average all-cause, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease health benefits in the range of 919-945, 175-234, 70-152, and 99-175 cases at city level and 15-16, 3-4, 1-3, and 2-3 cases at ward level, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that relative risk had a large influence on health benefit estimates. Present study results will play a crucial role in the future air quality and public health policies of Vellore city.