Evaluation of adverse effects of particulate matter on human life

Particulate matter (PM(2.5)) has a severe impact on human health. The concentration of PM(2.5), related to air-quality changes, may be associated with perceptible effects on people's health. In this study, computer intelligence was used to assess the negative effects of PM(2.5). The input data, used for the evaluation, were grid definitions (shape-file), PM(2.5), air-quality data, incidence/prevalence rates, a population dataset, and the (Krewski) health-impact function. This paper presents a local (Pakistan) health-impact assessment of PM(2.5) in order to estimate the long-term effects on mortality. A rollback-to-a-standard scenario was based on the PM(2.5) concentration of 15 μg m(−3). Health benefits for a population of about 73 million people were calculated. The results showed that the estimated avoidable mortality, linked to ischemic heart disease and lung cancer, was 2,773 for every 100,000 people, which accounts for 2,024,290 preventable deaths of the total population. The total cost, related to the above mortality, was estimated to be US $ 1,000 million. Therefore, a policy for a PM(2.5)-standard up to 15 μg m(−3) is suggested.