Economic Burden of Air Pollution and Healthcare Costs for Respiratory Diseases in the United States of America

Abstract

Air pollution i greatly increased over the years, mainly due to increased exposure to environmental pollutants in urban areas, resulting in a steep increase in related healthcare costs. Asthma and COPD, both worsened by air pollution, have put a growing strain on healthcare systems through higher rates of hospitalization, long-term treatments and medication costs. This analysis identifies significant regional differences in the burden and costs of air pollution-related respiratory diseases, highlighting a need for state-specific intervention and targeted policies. States with greater pollution levels also suffer greater health burdens, including more instances of respiratory ailments and higher healthcare spending. Air Quality, Health and Mortality Trends Air quality trends were analysed on a state basis where it was found that states with worse air quality also had higher mortality rates from respiratory diseases highlighting the long-term impacts of air pollution on public health.
Increasing financial implications from air pollution-related respiratory illness are not limited to healthcare expenses, as they also have a substantial impact on workforce productivity. Illness-related absenteeism, disability, and premature mortality result in significant economic losses, which, in turn, places additional burden on the economy. Our findings are intended to be useful in policymaking by helping parties responsible for decision-making achieve the desired goals of improving the health of citizens by creating a healthier and safer environment that prevents respiratory diseases; through this research, they can also make appropriate decisions based on the economic impact of air pollution on respiratory health, and have a clearer understanding of air pollution.