Rising Socio-Economic Costs of PM2.5 Pollution and Medical Service Mismatching
Academic Background
As global population ageing intensifies, the impact of air pollution on public health becomes increasingly significant. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is recognized as a major factor contributing to health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses, and cognitive impairments. Particularly in ageing societies, the elderly are more vulnerable to the hazards of PM2.5 pollution due to declining physical functions. Additionally, the uneven distribution of medical resources exacerbates this issue, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions. To address this challenge, researchers aim to assess the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution and explore how mismatched medical resources exacerbate the disease burden.
This study focuses on Japan, one of the most ageing countries globally, making it a typical case for research. By analyzing the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution and its socio-economic costs, the study aims to provide scientific evidence for targeted health and environmental policies, as well as offer references for other regions facing similar issues.
Source of the Paper
This paper is co-authored by Xiaoyan Xu, Liqiao Huang, Liming Yao, Yoshikuni Yoshida, and Yin Long, with the research team from the University of Tokyo and Sichuan University. The paper was published in Nature Sustainability in March 2025, with the DOI 10.1038/s41893-025-01509-9.
Research Process and Results
Research Process
Data Collection and Preprocessing
The study utilized multiple data sources, including PM2.5 concentration data, population data, age structure data, and baseline mortality data. PM2.5 concentration data were obtained from the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group at Washington University, population data from Japan’s gridded population dataset, and age structure and baseline mortality data from Japan’s Statistics Bureau and the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019).PM2.5 Exposure and Mortality Assessment
The study employed the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) to quantify premature deaths caused by PM2.5 exposure. The model considered exposure risks across different age groups and linked PM2.5 concentrations to mortality rates. The results showed that from 2001 to 2019, premature deaths attributed to PM2.5 exposure in Japan increased by 1.3 times, with 95% of deaths occurring among those aged 60 and above.Socio-Economic Cost Assessment
The study used the Age-Adjusted Value of Statistical Life (AVSL) to quantify the economic costs of PM2.5 exposure. AVSL incorporated factors such as willingness to pay, wealth levels, and survival probabilities across different age groups. The results indicated that the AVSL was highest among individuals aged 40–59, suggesting that this age group bears higher health costs due to long-term PM2.5 exposure.Medical Resources and Disease Burden Analysis
The study combined 170,000 medical clinic records to assess the burden of PM2.5-related diseases on the healthcare system. By analyzing the distribution of medical resources across regions, the study found that 86% of the areas experienced mismatched medical resources, particularly in western Japan. These regions, with limited medical resources, faced a higher disease burden related to PM2.5.
Key Findings
Health Impacts of PM2.5 Exposure
The study found a significant increase in premature deaths caused by PM2.5 exposure, particularly among the elderly. Individuals aged 60 and above accounted for 95% of the deaths, with those aged 80 and above comprising 67%.Socio-Economic Costs
The study revealed significant disparities in the economic costs of PM2.5 exposure across different age groups and regions. The AVSL was highest among individuals aged 40–59, indicating that this age group bears higher health costs due to long-term PM2.5 exposure. Additionally, the economic costs relative to GDP were higher in western Japan, indicating a more severe economic burden in these regions.Mismatched Medical Resources
The study found that the burden of PM2.5-related diseases was more severe in regions with limited medical resources. Western Japan, with insufficient medical resources, faced a higher disease burden related to PM2.5, placing greater pressure on the healthcare system.
Conclusions and Significance
By quantifying the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution and its socio-economic costs, this study highlights the severity of PM2.5 pollution in ageing societies. It also points out that mismatched medical resources further exacerbate this issue, particularly in underdeveloped regions. The findings provide scientific evidence for targeted health and environmental policies and offer references for other regions facing similar challenges.
Research Highlights
Comprehensive Data
The study utilized multiple data sources, including PM2.5 concentration data, population data, age structure data, and baseline mortality data, ensuring the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the research.Innovative Methodology
The study employed the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) and the Age-Adjusted Value of Statistical Life (AVSL) to quantify the health impacts and economic costs of PM2.5 exposure, providing a new methodological reference for similar studies.Policy Guidance Value
The findings offer scientific evidence for targeted health and environmental policies, particularly in the allocation of medical resources and the management of ageing societies.
Additional Valuable Information
The study also highlights the need to further investigate the impact of PM2.5 pollution on the labor market, especially in ageing societies where labor shortages may exacerbate socio-economic burdens. Additionally, the study suggests improving rural transportation infrastructure and promoting telemedicine services to enhance the accessibility of medical resources.
By comprehensively analyzing and quantifying the health impacts and socio-economic costs of PM2.5 pollution, this study provides critical scientific evidence and policy guidance for addressing air pollution in ageing societies.