Headlines - Health and Economic Impact of Urban Air Pollution

Nine French cities participated in the European Aphekom project, which assessed the health and economic impact of urban air pollution in 25 European cities.² Air quality was estimated based on measurements of average levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)³ and ozone during the 2004–2006 period. The study assessed the health impact of pollution in terms of mortality and hospitalizations. It also estimated the associated potential economic benefits. All cities studied in France had particulate matter and ozone levels exceeding the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, during the 2004–2006 period, the average level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) ranged from 14 to 20 μg/m³ depending on the city (WHO guideline value: 10 μg/m³). The potential health and economic benefits associated with improved air quality are quite substantial. Life expectancy at age 30 could increase by 3.6 to 7.5 months depending on the city, which is equivalent to preventing nearly 3,000 deaths per year, if the annual average concentrations of PM2.5 met the WHO guideline value. The associated economic benefit is estimated at nearly €5 billion per year. [...]