Econometric model derived from meta-analysis to estimate VSL and VOLY associated to air pollution at a global level

Air pollution is a key determinant of health, with numerous studies linking it to a range of adverse health effects in the general population, from minor subclinical impacts to premature mortality. Addressing policy questions on the health impacts of air pollution requires methods that balance the costs of risk reduction with the expected benefits, measured in terms of prevented premature deaths. These benefits can be quantified through the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL), representing individuals' willingness to pay for reduced mortality risk, and the Value of a Life Year (VOLY), which accounts for pollution’s impact on life expectancy. However, obtaining reliable VSL and VOLY values is challenging, as methodologies vary widely across—and even within—countries, and many lack robust, country-specific data. This inconsistency affects the comparability between countries in global assessments. To address this gap, a database of 494 air pollution-related VSL estimates was compiled from the literature, covering 186 countries across all continents. Using these estimates, a meta-analysis was conducted to integrate them into an specific econometric model assessing only the share of health costs attributable to air pollution worldwide. The model incorporates economic, socio-economic, demographic, and health proxies to tailor VSL estimates to each country’s characteristics. This approach, new in air pollution analysis, enables a more specific application of VSL in policy contexts specific to each country. Additionally, a corresponding VOLY database was developed, derived from VSL-based estimates. This work aims to improve quantitative and comparable estimates of the economic benefits associated with air pollution abatement policies and the consequent reduction in premature deaths worldwide.

CIARLANTINI Sara;  FRONTUTO Vito;  PEZZOLI Alessandro;  GAVROS Andreas;  BELIS Claudio; 

2025-03-14

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

JRC139996

1095-8630 (online),   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030147972500800X,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139996,   

10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124824 (online),