[A-AS11] Atmospheric Chemistry

[AAS11-P31] AQI and Health Impact Analysis of Air Pollution in Seoul and Beijing

*Woo-Sik Jung¹, HANA NA¹ (1.Department of Atmospheric Environment Information Engineering / Typhoon-Ready Center / Atmospheric Environment Information Engineering Research Center, INJE University.)

Keywords:Air Quality Index (AQI), air pollution, health impact, Seoul, Beijing

Air pollution is a major global environmental and public health concern, particularly in densely populated urban areas where exposure to pollutants poses significant risks to human health. As two of the largest metropolitan areas in Asia, Beijing and Seoul have experienced persistent air pollution due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a standardized metric to assess air pollution levels and communicate potential health risks to both policymakers and the general public. Given the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, AQI-based health impact assessments are essential for mitigating pollution-related health risks and guiding public health interventions.
This study systematically analyzes the relationship between AQI and major air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, O3) in Beijing and Seoul to evaluate their respective health impacts. Results indicate that higher AQI values correlate with increased incidences of respiratory diseases, particularly during pollution episodes characterized by elevated PM2.5 and O3 levels. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted air quality management strategies tailored to each city's pollution characteristics. This research provides critical insights for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of proactive mitigation measures to protect public health and improve urban air quality in East Asia.