Quantitative Assessment of the Health Impacts of Urban Air Pollution in France: A Review of Local Studies and Stakeholder Feedback
In 1999, the first methodological guide for conducting a quantitative health impact assessment of urban air pollution (EQIS-PA) was published by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance. EQIS-PA assessments enable the quantification of the health impacts and benefits associated with a reduction in pollution levels in a given urban area. They serve as a decision-making tool at the local level to select, plan, and implement the most appropriate measures to protect public health. Furthermore, they help raise awareness of the health effects of air pollution. In 2015, based on four versions of the guide, 119 EQIS-PA assessments were produced for 54 urban areas in France, covering 949 municipalities and just over 21 million inhabitants. In addition to providing an overview of all published EQIS-PA reports, the objectives of this report were, first, to gain a better understanding of the steps involved in conducting an EQIS-PA in the field, and second, to identify information needs at the local level to better meet the expressed expectations. Local stakeholders—including both producers and users of EQIS-PA reports—were surveyed through several questionnaires. This review demonstrates sustained interest among partners and decision-makers in the EQIS-PA, as well as its usefulness in supporting local management. Further efforts are needed to better meet the expressed expectations regarding information and communication, as well as in terms of proposed actions aimed at protecting the health of exposed populations. The areas for improvement identified by both EQIS-PA producers and users regarding studies and analyses will be taken into account in the development of the next methodological guide, provided that the methods and data allow for it.
Author(s): Ung A, Blanchard M, Gault G, Guillois Y, Pascal L, Pascal M, Yvon JM, Medina S
Publishing year: 2016
Pages: 32 p.
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