Spatial-Temporal Variation in Health Impact Attributable to PM2.5 and Ozone Pollution in the Beijing Metropolitan Region of China

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate and compare the spatial-temporal variation in health impact attributable to PM2.5, including the major particulate constituents and anthropogenic emission sectors of PM2.5, and ozone in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region using monitoring data from 2013 to 2020. The liquid phase reaction may play an important role in PM2.5 formation in winter. We estimated that 110,613 [(95% CI): 91,913, 128,615] and 9921 (95% CI: 3325, 13,191) cases of all-cause mortality in 2020 were attributable to exposure to PM2.5 and ozone in the BTH region, respectively. The control of PM2.5 pollution is currently a priority over that of ozone. An appropriate co-control policy for PM2.5 and ozone pollution is necessary for the surrounding areas of Beijing City to protect public health. From 2013 to 2020, the mortality owing to exposure to PM2.5 dropped significantly. The reduction in carbonaceous components in PM2.5 can have the most effective health benefits. The top two contributing emission sectors to the mortality from PM2.5 in Beijing were regional transportation and vehicles which could explain approximately 6.5% and 5.1% of the total mortality, respectively. The mortality owing to PM2.5 was higher in Beijing than in Tokyo and Bangkok in East Asia.