High-resolution mapping of premature mortality induced by atmospheric particulate matter in China

Air pollution, measured by the concentration of airborne particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 μm (PM_2.5), is known to cause globally adverse health effects leading to premature mortality, yet high-resolution spatial distribution of premature deaths is lacking due to the absence of detailed data for the calculation of premature mortality. Here, we mapped the impact of PM_2.5 on premature mortality at high resolution in 2018 using the global exposure mortality model, then we carried out statistical analysis in provincial-level administrative divisions. Results show that the PM_2.5 threshold of 35 μg/m³ is exceeded in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and in mideastern, highly urbanized and industrial regions of Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Hubei, Anhui, and Shanghai. Premature deaths due to PM_2.5 exposure in China amounted to 1.44 million, including 510,847 from ischemic heart disease, 471,487 from cerebrovascular disease, 220,837 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 131,321 from lung cancer, and 103,658 from lower respiratory infection. Premature mortality was higher in men, of 879,521 persons accounting for 61%, than women, of 558,629 persons. In provincial-level administrative divisions, high premature deaths were mainly concentrated in the North China Plain, with the highest per capita premature mortality in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Henan, Hebei, and Shandong. Our finer resolution data, together with the age- and sex-specific population data, have improved the estimation of health impacts of PM_2.5 exposure.