Air Pollution Accountability: Assessing the Environmental and Health Benefits of Air Pollution Controls

Over the past 20 years, US policies targeting mobile vehicles (MV), electricity generating units (EGU), and other pollution sources have been implemented to improve air quality. Previous work by the research team in Atlanta and New York found major reductions in air pollutant concentrations over the past 20 years attributed, in part, to such policies and drivers; preliminary studies by our team in Los Angeles have also been conducted. Results suggest that concomitant changes in PM_2.5 composition may be affecting PM_2.5 toxicity that could influence the extent of realized health benefits. Comparable assessments are needed across the US to examine the potential changes in PM_2.5 toxicity resulting from implementation of air quality policies at both the national and regional/local level.

Using 15-year (2005-2019) publicly-available air quality data and data on emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for residents living within 10 miles of each city-site, we will: (1) assess and compare the impact of selected policies targeting MV and EGU emissions on PM_2.5, gaseous pollutant, PM_2.5 component, and source-specific PM_2.5 concentrations; (2) estimate the rate of cardiorespiratory hospitalizations/ED visits associated with these PM metrics and compare changes in PM_2.5 toxicity resulting from the selected air quality policies; and (3) quantify the health benefits of the selected air quality policies over the study period at each city-site and within each city.

Study Locations: Atlanta, GA; New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA

Investigators: Stefanie Ebelt (PI), Howard Chang

Current or Recent Funding Sources: Health Effects Institute (4986-FRA20-1A/21-9)

Previous Funding Sources: Health Effects Institute (4912-RFA11-1/12-6)

Category: Air Pollution