Estimating health impacts and economic costs of air pollution in the Republic of Macedonia

This research paper estimates the health burden and economic costs associated with ambient particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) pollution in the Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia). Using air quality monitoring data, population statistics, and established exposure–response functions, the study quantifies premature mortality, morbidity, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution. These health impacts are then translated into economic terms using multiple valuation approaches, including the Human Capital Approach, Value of a Statistical Life, and Cost of Illness methods, providing a comprehensive assessment of the societal costs of poor air quality.

The findings demonstrate that particulate matter pollution imposes a substantial public health and economic burden, with estimated annual costs of approximately €253 million (around 3.2% of GDP). The analysis also shows that even modest reductions in PM concentrations could prevent hundreds of premature deaths and generate significant economic savings, while meeting EU air quality standards would deliver even greater health benefits. The study provides a practical example of how health and economic impact assessments can support evidence-based air quality policies and strengthen the case for investments in pollution reduction measures.