A versatile decision-support tool to assess air quality and health effects

This work presents a web-based policy tool for the development of effective particulate matter (PM) pollution strategies. The tool is based on an integrated modelling approach, from emissions to health effects, which allows testing measures to improve air quality, focused on PM2.5 levels, and quantitatively assess their impact on the health and well-being of the populations. The tool was developed in the framework of the LIFE Index-Air project and this work describes its particular application to Athens (Greece) simulating the effect of two air quality improvements measures on the PM2.5 levels. The application of the tool for the reference scenario indicates that Athens did not comply with the European air quality standards (25 μg.m-3) for the annual PM2.5 levels in 5% of the simulation domain. Two mitigation measures were simulated: i) fireplace improvement, and (ii) introduction of passenger electric vehicles. The results show that, in Athens, the electrification of the fleet is more effective, allowing to reduce up to 3 μg.m-3 on the annual average of PM2.5 concentrations. The tool allows for rapid exploration of potential air quality and health improvements resulting from different control measures, supporting stakeholders in decision-making.