Source Contributions to Fine Particulate Matter and Attributable Mortality in India and the Surrounding Region

This study evaluates the contributionof emission sectorsand fuels to fine particulate matter for South Asia to inform potentialair quality management strategies. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure isa leadingmortality risk factor in India and the surrounding region of SouthAsia. This study evaluates the contribution of emission sectors andfuels to PM2.5 mass for 29 states in India and 6 surroundingcountries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar)by combining source-specific emission estimates, stretched grid simulationsfrom a chemical transport model, high resolution hybrid PM2.5, and disease-specific mortality estimates. We find that 1.02 (95%Confidence Interval (CI): 0.78-1.26) million deaths in SouthAsia attributable to ambient PM2.5 in 2019 were primarilyfrom three leading sectors: residential combustion (28%), industry(15%), and power generation (12%). Solid biofuel is the leading combustiblefuel contributing to the PM2.5-attributable mortality (31%),followed by coal (17%), and oil and gas (14%). State-level analysesreveal higher residential combustion contributions (35%-39%)in states (Delhi, Uttar-Pradesh, Haryana) with high ambient PM2.5 (>95 & mu;g/m(3)). The combined mortalityburdenassociated with residential combustion (ambient) and household airpollution (HAP) in India is 0.72 million (95% CI:0.54-0.89)(68% attributable to HAP, 32% attributable to residential combustion).Our results illustrate the potential to reduce PM2.5 massand improve population health by reducing emissions from traditionalenergy sources across multiple sectors in South Asia.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the contribution of emission sectors and fuels to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in South Asia, finding that residential combustion, industry, and power generation are the primary contributors to PM2.5-related mortality. Solid biofuel is the leading combustible fuel contributing to PM2.5-attributable mortality, followed by coal and oil and gas. State-level analyses reveal higher contributions from residential combustion in states with high ambient PM2.5 levels. Reducing emissions from traditional energy sources across multiple sectors in South Asia can improve population health.