Valoración económica ambiental de los efectos en la salud humana por las emisiones de material particulado PM2.5 y PM10 en el área urbana de Villavicencio

Abstract

The objective of this research project is to assess the environmental economic costs derived from the treatment of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) caused by PM2.5 and PM10 in the urban areas of Villavicencio, where a higher concentration of mobile sources is recorded. This is done to promote research on the impact of atmospheric pollutants on the health of Villavicencio's inhabitants, using environmental economics approaches. It seeks to promote adopting nature-based solutions. To achieve this objective, the characterization of the main vehicular traffic perception points in the city of Villavicencio was initially carried out, to establish their relationship with the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in the atmosphere. Subsequently, a systematic methodology was developed to calculate hospitalization costs associated with cases of ARI attributable to inhalation of these contaminants. The estimates made resulted in 169 cases attributable to the presence of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air with associated hospitalization costs of COP 1.567.123.945 between the year 2022 and 2023. From this, projections were made until the year 2042 through a model developed in MATLAB software, generating alarming costs of COP 33.402.000.000 associated with 1121 cases attributable to the evaluated particulate matter. A proposal was designed, in which three tree species will be used to reduce the concentrations of suspended particles. Based on a bibliographic review and the native species listed in Decree 1000-24/367 of 2020, it was determined that the species that have the best capacity to retain particulate matter were Thuja occidentalis L, Ficus benjamina L y Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don, with a gradual 3,8% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations annually in the urban area of Villavicencio until the 68% in the year 2042. It can be concluded that Villavicencio requires an air quality monitoring system adapted to the needs of its population. The lack of data and the estimates made on the costs associated with cases attributable to PM2.5 and PM10 are worrying. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in specific technical instruments that lead to economic benefits for the city and the improvement of the public health of its inhabitants.