Estimation of the Local Human Health Burden Due to Inhalation of Fine Particulate Matter and Identification of Major Emission Sources Using A Life Cycle Impact Assessment Method

Abstract

Objectives This study determined the local human health burden of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as disability adjusted life years (DALY) for three Korean cities: Jeonju, Iksan and Changwon. Major air pollutants and emission sources contributing the local human health burden were identified by using a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method. Methods The human health burden of PM2.5 was determined by using two methods. First, the PM2.5 concentration-health response method used the concentration-response factor and severity factor for specific age groups over 30 years old and the annual average PM2.5 concentrations to determine DALY for cardiopulmonary diseases and lung cancer. Second, the LCIA used the intake fraction, the effect factor and the local air pollutant emission to quantify DALY due to inhalation of primary and secondary PM2.5. Results and Discussion The human health burden of PM2.5 (DALY/1000 capita) of Jeonju, Iksan and Changwon was respectively determined as 25.44, 35.03 and 22.24 by the PM2.5 concentration-health response method. The LCIA resulted in the human health burden (DALY/1000 capita) of Jeonju, Iksan and Changwon as 4.22, 2.50 and 3.99, respectively. In contribution analysis for DALY, the primary PM2.5 accounted for 60% of the DALY of Jeonju and 71% of the DALY of Changwon. However, NH3 was the major contributor to the Iksan DALY, 49%. Further contribution analysis on the local major emission sources and pollutants showed as follows: The Jeonju DALY was contributed by PM2.5 of “Dust” 21.1%, NH3 of “Agriculture” 13.6% and PM2.5 of “Road vehicles” 13.5%; The Iksan DALY was contributed by NH3 of “Agriculture”, 47.6%, PM2.5 of “Dust” 16.1% and PM2.5 of “Biomaterial incineration” 8.4%; The Changwon DALY was contributed by PM2.5 of “Industrial combustion” 32.6%, PM2.5 of “Non-road engines” 12.7% and PM2.5 of “Dust” 10.0%. Conclusions The LCIA method can be utilized to identify the major emission sources and pollutants contributing to the local burden of disease and help the authority screening priorities. The distinct differences in the DALY of the same city between two methods may imply that the local burden of disease would be dominantly determined by flowing primary and secondary PM2.5 from the outside of the city boundary. Key words: Fine particulate matter, PM2.5, Disability adjusted life years, Human health burdens, Life cycle impact assessment, Air pollutant emission