Characteristics of Air Pollution and Health Risk Assessment in China

As the world's largest developing country, China faces a severe and growing air pollution challenge. This paper reviews the current research status on the characteristics of air pollution and health risk assessment in China, comparing and analyzing various methodologies while emphasizing the importance of addressing data gaps and enhancing public health awareness. A comprehensive analysis of relevant studies reveals the distinct characteristics of air pollution in China, its associated health risks, and the urgency for policy interventions. The study also highlights limitations of the existing Air Quality Index (AQI), including its computational complexity, neglect of certain pollutants, and the predominant focus on single or few cities, specific timeframes, or isolated pollution events, which results in a lack of systematic nationwide data. To improve the accuracy of air pollution monitoring and assessment, effective policy measures must be implemented. This study proposes the adoption of health-based indices, such as the Air Quality Health Index (AHQI) and Health Risk Air Quality Index (HAQI), to better characterize air pollution and validate correlations between epidemiological data and AHQI/HAQI values. Additionally, raising public health awareness is critical, as active public participation can drive environmental protection and the adoption of green, eco-friendly lifestyles.