Evaluation of the impact of energy utilization and PM on respiratory health in China

Abstract

The haze climate has seriously affected people’s lives in China, and one of the important causes is particular matter (PM). For further, PM also has a negative impact on human health, especially respiratory health. A modified two-stage EBM (Epsilon-based Measure)data envelopment analysis (DEA) model considering undesirable outputs was used in this study to explore the energy utilization, PM and respiratory efficiency evaluation in China. It is concluded that the total efficiency value of Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Shandong and Tianjin is high, while that of China’s other provinces is low. The overall efficiency of most provinces in the first stage is better than that in the second stage, and the efficiency difference between provinces in the second stage is more significant. There is a significant difference in PM efficiency between provinces, which needs to be managed by governments of different regions. Except for Beijing, Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, Shandong and Tianjin, the efficiency of respiratory diseases in most provinces still needs to be improved. Therefore, it is suggested to optimize the industrial structure, accelerate the adjustment of energy structure, strengthen the treatment of air pollution and increase public expenditure on medical care, so as to improve residents’ respiratory health.