Air Pollution and Health Studies in China—Policy Implications

During the rapid economic development in China, ambient air pollutants in major cities, including PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) and SO2 have been reduced due to various measures taken to reduce or control sources of emissions, whereas NO2 is stable or slightly increased. However, air pollution levels in China are still at the higher end of the world level. Less information is available regarding changes in national levels of other pollutants such as PM2.5 and ozone. The Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (MOEP) set an index for “controlling/reducing total SO2 emissions” to evaluate the efficacy of air pollution control strategy in the country. Total SO2 emissions declined for the first time in 2007. Chinese epidemiologic studies evidenced adverse health effects of ambient air pollution similar to those reported from developed countries, though risk estimates on mortality/morbidity per unit increase of air pollutant are somewhat smaller than those reported in developed countries. Disease burden on health attributable to air pollution is relatively greater in China because of higher pollution levels. Improving ambient air quality has substantial and measurable public health benefits in China. It is recommended that the current Chinese air quality standards be updated/revised and the target for “controlling/reducing total SO2 emissions” be maintained and another target for “reducing total NO2 emissions” be added in view of rapid increase in motor vehicles. Continuous and persistent efforts should be taken to improve ambient air quality. IMPLICATIONS Two recommendations are made to policy-makers based on the analysis of Chinese air pollution in cities and its adverse health effects: (1) Revise and update the current Chinese air quality standards. (2) Maintain the current “controlling/reducing total SO2 emissions” as an index for reflecting the efficacy of air pollution control strategy and to add another index for “reducing total NO2 emissions”.