Estimation of health benefits from air quality improvement using the MODIS AOD dataset in Seoul, Korea

Abstract

BackgroundExposure to fine particles in the atmosphere can adversely affect health and even lead to premature death. Recently, South Korea has attracted attention because of its rapid increase in the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM). ObjectivesWe estimated the economic benefits of reducing PM10 in Seoul, South Korea, based on MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). Based on the retrieved PM10 data, we estimated its effects on overall health in each district of Seoul, Korea between 2014 and 2015. MethodsThe relationships between MODIS AOD and ground-based PM10 data were identified in different seasons in South Korea between 2012 and 2013 using the linear regression model. The health benefits were estimated by the Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (Benmap) using the scenarios from the World Health Organization (WHO). ResultsThe correlation between MODIS AOD and PM10 concentration differed with the season. There was a higher correlation between MODIS AOD and PM10 concentration in winter (R = 0.57) than there was in other seasons. Based on the MODIS AOD, the average annual PM10 concentration in Seoul was higher in 2014 than it was in 2015, at values of 45.7 μg/m3, and 41.6 μg/m3, respectively. The greatest economic benefit of reducing PM10 concentration (WHO annual standard of 20 μg/m3) was in 2014. This benefit was estimated to be 7022 (95% CI: 599, 20496), 2617 (95% CI: 216, 7750), and 1328 (95% CI: −159, 4679) billion KRW for all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortalities in 2014 and 2015, respectively. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that, despite considerable improvements in air quality in recent decades, there is still a need for countermeasures to prevent economic loss due to air pollution in Seoul.