Rising socio-economic costs of PM2.5 pollution and medical service mismatching

Xiaoyan Xu, Liqiao Huang, Liming Yao (), Yoshikuni Yoshida and Yin Long ()
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Xiaoyan Xu: University of Tokyo
Liqiao Huang: University of Tokyo
Liming Yao: Sichuan University
Yoshikuni Yoshida: University of Tokyo
Yin Long: University of Tokyo

Nature Sustainability, 2025, vol. 8, issue 3, 265-275

Abstract: Abstract The harmful impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution on public health remains a pressing concern. Detrimental effects of such pollution on elderly populations can be exacerbated by the ageing process, making it necessary to identify vulnerable groups or regions, especially in the context of shifting demographics and healthcare disparities. Focusing on Japan, with its extreme ageing demographic, our study assesses the health impacts of PM2.5 across different age segments from a spatial–temporal perspective while considering the uneven distribution of medical resources across different regions. We find that the Baby Boomer generation, born in the 1950s, faces a statistical value of life that is approximately 52% higher than that of other generations, signifying that individuals of this generation are more likely to bear increased costs for health issues caused by long-term exposure to PM2.5. On the basis of 170,000 medical-clinic records across Japan, our research reveals that the disease burden exacerbated by mismatches in medical resources has become increasingly evident, affecting over 86% of the areas we studied, with remote regions in West Japan being particularly vulnerable. These findings highlight the amplified challenges posed by demographic shifts, the need for targeted health and environmental policies, and serve as a critical warning for regions facing similar issues.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-025-01509-9

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