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Evaluating the Long-Term Health and Economic Impacts of Central Residential Air Filtration for Reducing Premature Mortality Associated with Indoor Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) of Outdoor Origin

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Zhao

    (Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA)

  • Parham Azimi

    (Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Brent Stephens

    (Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA)

Abstract

Much of human exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) of outdoor origin occurs in residences. High-efficiency particle air filtration in central heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems is increasingly being used to reduce concentrations of particulate matter inside homes. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of filtration for reducing exposures to PM 2.5 of outdoor origin and adverse health outcomes. Here we integrate epidemiology functions and mass balance modeling to estimate the long-term health and economic impacts of HVAC filtration for reducing premature mortality associated with indoor PM 2.5 of outdoor origin in residences. We evaluate 11 classifications of filters (MERV 5 through HEPA) using six case studies of single-family home vintages and ventilation system combinations located in 22 U.S. cities. We estimate that widespread use of higher efficiency filters would reduce premature mortality by 0.002–2.5% and increase life expectancy by 0.02–1.6 months, yielding annual monetary benefits ranging from $1 to $1348 per person in the homes and locations modeled herein. Large differences in the magnitude of health and economic impacts are driven largely by differences in rated filter efficiency and building and ventilation system characteristics that govern particle infiltration and persistence, with smaller influences attributable to geographic location.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Zhao & Parham Azimi & Brent Stephens, 2015. "Evaluating the Long-Term Health and Economic Impacts of Central Residential Air Filtration for Reducing Premature Mortality Associated with Indoor Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) of Outdoor Origin," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-32, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:7:p:8448-8479:d:52913
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David M. Stieb & Stan Judek & Kevin Brand & Richard T. Burnett & Hwashin H. Shin, 2015. "Approximations for Estimating Change in Life Expectancy Attributable to Air Pollution in Relation to Multiple Causes of Death Using a Cause Modified Life Table," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 35(8), pages 1468-1478, August.
    2. Nina A. Clark & Ryan W. Allen & Perry Hystad & Lance Wallace & Sharon D. Dell & Richard Foty & Ewa Dabek-Zlotorzynska & Greg Evans & Amanda J. Wheeler, 2010. "Exploring Variation and Predictors of Residential Fine Particulate Matter Infiltration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Lisa A. Robinson, 2007. "Policy Monitor How US Government Agencies Value Mortality Risk Reductions," Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 1(2), pages 283-299, Summer.
    4. Wenjing Ji & Bin Zhao, 2015. "Estimating Mortality Derived from Indoor Exposure to Particles of Outdoor Origin," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(4), pages 1-15, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Vasilis Kazakos & Zhiwen Luo & Ian Ewart, 2020. "Quantifying the Health Burden Misclassification from the Use of Different PM 2.5 Exposure Tier Models: A Case Study of London," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-21, February.

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