Health and economic burden of local air pollution emissions in the Haifa Bay area

Purpose – This study quantifies the annual health and economic burden caused by exposure to local emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and benzene in the Haifa Bay Area, Israel. Design/methodology/approach – A spatial health impact assessment was conducted using high-resolution pollution modeling and fine-scale population data. National disease rates and local concentrations were combined to estimate mortality and morbidity across statistical areas. Economic costs were evaluated using cost-of-illness and Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) and the Value of a Life Year (VOLY). Findings – Significant spatial differences were found in both exposure levels and attributable health outcomes, with specific neighborhoods facing higher risks of mortality and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, Diabetes, asthma and low birthweight. The total annual economic burden was estimated at 0.56–1.36 billion ILS (approximately 150–366 million USD). Practical implications – Results provide essential data for local policymakers to target high-risk areas and inform cost-effective pollution-reduction strategies in complex urban zones. Originality/value – This research offers a novel, spatially resolved quantification of the health and economic burden of local air pollution in Israel, combining advanced epidemiological methods and economic analysis to support integrated environmental management.