Health and Economic Benefits of Accelerating the PM10 Interim Targets in Brazil's New Air Quality Resolution: A Case Study in Southern Brazil

Author(s)

Alves Laucas e Myrrha, Luiz Henrique ; Cardoso Loukili, Yasmin Fawzia ; Silveira, Gustavo de Oliveira ; Tavella, Ronan Adler ; Bonifacio, Alicia da Silva ; Brum, Rodrigo de Lima ; Pereira, Natalia ; Rodrigues da Silva Junior, Flavio Manoel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ATMOSPHERE; v. 16, n. 3, p. 12-pg., 2025-02-25.

Abstract

Air pollution, particularly from coarse particulate matter (PM10), is a major public health concern, significantly contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among vulnerable populations. In 2024, Brazil introduced a new air quality resolution (CONAMA Resolution No. 506/2024), aligning its ultimate goal with the World Health Organization's 2021 guidelines while establishing specific timelines for the interim targets. However, these interim targets, set for 2025, 2033, and 2044, along with the absence of a deadline for the final target of 15 mu g/m(3), raise concerns about their adequacy in addressing the urgent health impacts of air pollution. This study evaluates the economic and public health benefits of accelerating these targets in the city of Rio Grande, a region characterized by an industrial and port-driven economy and an aging population particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Using health impact assessments, economic cost analyses, and mortality estimates, we modeled three scenarios with PM10 concentration limits of 30 mu g/m(3), 20 mu g/m(3), and 15 mu g/m(3), corresponding to the resolution's 2033 and 2044 goals and the undated final target. Our findings indicate that achieving the 15 mu g/m(3) target by 2025 could prevent 2568 respiratory hospitalizations, 1551 cardiac hospitalizations, and 1128 air pollution-related deaths in Rio Grande, resulting in approximately BRL 7.3 million in healthcare savings. When extrapolated to cities with similar pollution profiles across Brazil, these results suggest substantial potential for reducing the health burdens and economic costs nationwide. This study underscores the urgent need to establish more ambitious timelines in Brazil's air quality policies to maximize public health benefits and mitigate the economic impacts of air pollution. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/02579-0 - Estimation of the Burden of Disease of Infections caused by Resistant Microbials in Brazil
• Grantee: Ronan Adler Tavella
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral