Ambient fine particulate matter in China: Its negative impacts and possible countermeasures

In recent decades, China has experienced rapid economic development accompanied by increasing concentrations of ambient PM2.5, particulate matter of less than 2.5 m in diameter. PM2.5 is now believed to be a carcinogen, causing higher lung cancer risks and generating losses to the economy and society. This meta-analysis evaluates the losses generated by ambient PM2.5 in Suzhou from 2014 to 2016 and predicts losses at different concentrations. Estimations of total losses in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Dalian, and Xiamen are also presented, with a total national loss in 2015. The authors then demonstrate that lowering ambient PM2.5 concentrations would be a realistic way for China to reduce the evaluated social losses in the short term. Possible legal measures are listed for lowering ambient PM2.5 concentrations.Implications: The present findings quantify the economic effects of ambient PM2.5 due to the increased incidence rate and mortality rate of lung cancer. Lowering ambient PM2.5 concentrations would be the most realistic way for China to reduce tghe evaluated social losses in the short term. Possible legal measures for lowering ambient PM2.5 concentrations to reduce the total losses are identified.