Co-benefit modeling and optimization of air pollution control in Iskandar Malaysia: a methodology using BenMap

Abstract

Malaysia is currently experiencing issues of local as well as transboundary air pollution. The issues are especially felt in areas that record high economic growth and rapid urbanization such as Iskandar Malaysia, a fast evolving economic-growth corridor in Southeast Asia. This has led to increased rate of particulate matter emissions, which further led to increase in the rate of respiratory-related health incidences. Many epidemiological studies have proven that particulate matters in the ambient air are associated with adverse health effects. This will affect the existing and future economy of Iskandar Malaysia, where the exposed population may lose their workdays and face increased medical spending. This study focuses on quantifying health and economic benefits from the reduction of particulate matter with a size of 10 micrometers or less in diameter (PM10) using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) by US EPA. Health impact functions are used to quantify the relationship between a change in PM10 level and number of related health effects among the exposed population. The samples for this research include a continuous monitoring data on the 2014 monthly average of daily PM10, the 2014 population projection of Malaysian Census Data and the PM10 related health cases for 2014 which are focused in the Iskandar Malaysia region. PM10 data are collected from monitoring stations operated by the Department of Environment (DOE). Respiratory related cases such as Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, which is categorized as J10 in International Classification of Diseases, are collected from selected clinics within the study area. The final outcome of the modeling exercise compares the co-benefits of air pollution reduction between the baseline scenario and the control scenario for PM10 level in Iskandar Malaysia. The results of this study are useful in optimizing and improving the existing policies and strategies for controlling air pollution and PM10 emission in Iskandar Malaysia.