Evaluating the Long-Term Health and Economic Impacts of Central Residential Air Filtration for Reducing Premature Mortality Associated with Indoor Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) of Outdoor Origin

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15460239
AutoresDan Zhao (0000-0002-1218-9280, Illinois Institute of Technology), Parham Azimi (0000-0002-9432-7711, Illinois Institute of Technology), Brent Stephens (0000-0002-0177-6703, IIT Research Institute, autor correspondente)
Ano2015
Volume12
Fascículo7
Páginas8448-8479
Data de publicação2015-07-21
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditoraMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph120708448
PMID26197328
PMCIDPMC4515730
OpenAlexW1857813961
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas63

Much of human exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 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 PM2.5 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 PM2.5 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

Air conditioning · Environmental health · Filter (signal processing · Filtration (mathematics · Geography · HEPA · HVAC · Life expectancy · Meteorology · Particulates · Population · Public health · Ventilation (architecture · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Energy and Environment Impacts · Engineering · Environmental Science · Medicine · Ecology · Environmental Engineering