Identifying critical supply chain paths and key sectors for mitigating primary carbonaceous PM2.5 mortality in Asia

Total mortality attributable to PM2.5 is highest in the Asian domain, estimated as 2.3 million deaths annually. We apply consumption-based accounting to identify the key sectors responsible for primary carbonaceous PM2.5 mortality. The study combines an input-output model with an atmospheric transport model and fully links consumer demand to final pollutant fate and health impact. We find the following: (1) considering atmospheric transport changes the distribution of demand-induced impact as compared to conventional emissions footprinting, (2) the supply chain paths with the greatest impact on PM2.5-induced human health problems in the region are centered around agricultural technologies in China, and (3) the transportation sector of China plays a major role in the supply chain paths that generate relatively large impacts on human health. We conclude that Japan is responsible for PM2.5 mortality in Asia and should take leadership in changing key high-priority technologies and critical supply chain paths into greener ones.