Health impact and monetary cost of exposure to particulate matter emitted from biomass burning in large cities.

摘要: Abstract The study deals with the assessment of health impact and respective economic cost attributed to particulate matter (PM) emitted into atmosphere from biomass burning for space heating, focusing on differences between warm cold seasons in 2011–2012 2012–2013 Thessaloniki (Greece). Health was assessed based estimated exposure levels use established WHO concentration–response functions (CRFs) all-cause mortality, infant new chronic bronchitis cases, respiratory cardiac hospital admissions. Monetary valuation willingness-to-pay/accept (WTP/WTA), avoid or compensate loss welfare associated illness. Results showed that long term mortality during winter increased by 200 excess deaths a city almost 900,000 inhabitants 3540 years life lost, corresponding an 200–250m€. New cases dominate morbidity estimates (490 additional monetary 30m€). Estimated impacts are more severe season, despite its smaller duration (4 months). Considering ambient air concentrations (and integral outdoor/indoor exposure) explained shifting oil domestic heating purposes, several alternative scenarios were evaluated. Policy scenario analysis revealed significant public benefits (up 2b€ avoided 130m€ illness) might be obtained limiting share heat energy mix. Fiscal policy affecting fuels/technologies used needs reconsidered urgently, since net tax taxation due reduced consumption further compounded mid-term mortality.