Changes in Mortality in Response to Decreases in PM2.5 and Ozone Concentrations across the United States from 1990 to 2020

摘要

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) concentrations in the continental United States (CONUS) have decreased significantly since 1990 due to air quality regulations. I assess the health impacts of these decreases, quantifying O3- and PM2.5-attributable mortality in CONUS for every year from 1990 to 2020 using multiple concentration datasets. Population-weighted average concentrations of PM2.5 decreased 1.84-4.30% per year, and of O3 decreased 0.290-1.33% per year across the study period. PM2.5-attributable mortality decreased 4.65% per year across four concentration datasets. Meanwhile, O3-attributable respiratory mortality decreased 0.126-1.82% per year. These changes in mortality were primarily driven by PM2.5 and O3 concentrations rather than changes in population or baseline mortality. PM2.5 reductions were estimated to help avoid 124100 premature deaths, and O3 reductions 13500-20900 deaths at the end of the study period. These results suggest that reducing air pollution since 1990 has resulted in significant health benefits.