The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) is one of the most polluted regions in the US, where air pollution exacerbates respiratory issues like asthma, contributing to significant health and economic burdens. In a study published in April 2024, in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy, researchers analyzed data from 2016 to assess the costs of ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and fine particulate matter on respiratory health in SJV residents who sought emergency or hospital care. In the study “Costs of Air Pollution in California’s San Joaquin Valley: A Societal Perspective of the Burden of Asthma on Emergency Departments and Inpatient Care,” researchers found that asthma exacerbations cost $3353–$5003 per emergency visit and $2584–$3023 per inpatient day, leading to total societal costs of $498 million for emergency visits and $224 million for hospitalizations. Reducing pollution levels could prevent over 21,000 emergency visits and 19,000 hospitalizations, saving $137 million annually. The findings highlight air pollution’s substantial economic and health toll and the potential for cost savings and improved health outcomes by reducing air pollution and exposure.
Read a news article summarizing the study here.