Premature mortality from respiratory disease attributable to PM2.5 exposure in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China

TL;DR

The study examines how PM2.5 pollution in Lanzhou, China, contributes to premature deaths from respiratory diseases, despite reduced pollution levels.

Contribution

The novel contribution is analyzing PM2.5's impact on mortality trends across districts and age groups in Lanzhou using the GEMM model.

Findings

PM2.5 concentrations decreased city-wide from 2014 to 2023, but premature deaths did not decline significantly.

Most PM2.5-attributable deaths occurred in people aged 65 and older.

Some districts saw an increase in PM2.5-related deaths despite overall pollution reduction.

Abstract

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) remains a critical public health issue in China. Understanding its spatial distribution and associated mortality burden is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies.

This study analyzed PM2.5 distribution and estimated premature mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer attributable to PM2.5. The analysis covered different districts and 3 age groups in Lanzhou City, using the global exposure mortality model (GEMM).

From 2014 to 2023, PM2.5 concentrations were significantly reduced city-wide. However, the number of PM2.5-attributable premature deaths did not decline substantially. In some districts, these deaths even increased against a backdrop of rising overall mortality. The majority of premature deaths occurred in people aged ≥65 years. Lowering PM2.5 concentrations remains important for controlling mortality from both diseases. However, the trends were not entirely consistent, indicating a complex relationship between PM2.5 and mortality.

Particulate matter 2.5 continues to have a substantial impact on health. Sustained efforts in air quality improvement and targeted health interventions for the elderly population are necessary.

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