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Research ArticleOpen Access

Assessing Health Impact of Air Pollution in Macedonian Cities

Volume 10 - Issue 1

Mirjana Dimovska*1,2 and Dragan Gjorgjev1,2

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    • 1 Institute of Public Health of Republic of Macedonia, Skopje
    • 2 Faculty of Medicine Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje
    • *Corresponding author: Mirjana Dimovska, Institute of Public Health of Republic of Macedonia, Skopje

Received:October 03, 2018;   Published: October 15, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.10.001887

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Abstract

Background: In regard the broad range of adverse health outcomes related to exposure to particulate air pollution, there are only few epidemiological data to be found for the countries of the former Yugoslav republics. Particulate outdoor air pollution is a major public health concern in the cities of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Objective: To estimate the range of attributable deaths of outdoor air pollution by particulate matter (PM2.5), and health gains from implementation of targeted policy that would reduce the concentrations to EU or WHO limit values. Methods: Health Impact Assessment, the counterfactual approach has been applied. To estimate the health gain three hypothetical scenarios were set up. Results: In selected cities 1,903 human lives (excess deaths) are lost annually due to PM2.5 exposures (22.3% of total all-cause (natural) mortality). The mortality rate attributable to PM2.5 exposures (per 100,000 populations) is highest in the city of Tetovo 301; Bitola 234; Skopje 208. If the limit values of the PM2.5 particles comply with the existing EU and WHO limit values, 908 lives could be saved, and 1547 respectively. Estimated excess deaths caused by lung cancer attributable to PM2.5 are 181 representing 40.0% of the total mortality. Conclusions: The estimated impact on mortality and health gains of potential reduction policies are of high significance. Despite the limitations, this assessment provides valuable input to national and local authorities to become aware about the magnitude of the problem.

Keywords : Health Impact Assessment; Particulate air pollution; Fyr Macedonia; Health gain

Abstract | Introduction| Material and Methods| Data Collection| Results and Discussion | Conclusion| Acknowledgment| References|