Assessing policies for health impact and cost reduction from PM2.5 formation
20
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01959255
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105023203428
Journal Title
Environmental Impact Assessment Review
Volume
118
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Environmental Impact Assessment Review Vol.118 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Jumsai Na Ayudhya M., Gheewala S.H., Strezov V., Mungkalasiri J., Panyametheekul S., Winijkul E., Prapaspongsa T. Assessing policies for health impact and cost reduction from PM2.5 formation. Environmental Impact Assessment Review Vol.118 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2025.108265 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114371
Title
Assessing policies for health impact and cost reduction from PM2.5 formation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM<inf>2.5</inf>) poses significant health and economic burdens, particularly in developing regions, such as Southeast Asia. This study assesses the health impacts and economic costs of PM<inf>2.5</inf> formation in Thailand and evaluates mitigation policies to reduce these effects by 2037. Analyses at the city to national level examine major emission sources, including road transport, industry, power generation, household activities, open burning of agricultural waste, livestock, fertilizer application, and forest fires. Without intervention, health impacts are projected to increase by 22 % from 2022 levels, reaching 403,373 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually and resulting in an economic burden of 301 billion Thai Baht (THB) per year. Scenario analysis identifies the best integrated mitigation strategy, which includes E-Buses, reducing energy consumption in industry and power generation, banning agricultural residue open burning, and decreasing forest fire hotspots. This strategy could reduce health impacts by up to 70 % and could yield an economic benefit of approximately 211 billion THB annually. A ban on agricultural burning is identified as one of the most effective interventions, potentially eliminating 38 % of the health burden in Thailand. Findings highlight the urgency of comprehensive, multi-sectoral policies to mitigate PM<inf>2.5</inf> pollution, with emphasis on agricultural waste management and enhanced emission controls. These insights provide a framework for other Southeast Asian countries facing similar air pollution challenges.