Feasibility of cost‐benefit analysis for particulate matter air pollution control in Japan

Abstract

In the present study, we identified cost benefit analysis (CBA) procedures and data availability to determine the programme feasibility of conducting an ex post CBA for particulate matter of a ten micron nominal diameter (PM‐10) air pollution control in Japan. This paper describes Freeman's benefits methodology to use for the benefits portion of the CBA, and the paper shows the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) costs methodology supplemented by Dixon et al.'s procedures to use for the costs portion of the analysis. The findings included (1) developing a procedure for estimating benefits based on Freeman, (2) developing a procedure for estimating costs based on EPA and Dixon et al., (3) determining that pre‐control data and post‐control data on PM‐10 costs and benefits are available from government agencies in Tokyo, and (4) determining that concentration response functions for health impacts are available from EPA. In conclusion it is feasible to conduct a CBA for Japan, based on the availability of data for an analysis of the urban metropolis of Tokyo.

Keywords:

• Cost benefit analysis
• PM‐10
• Air pollution
• Health impact

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Prof. I. Uchiyama, of the University of Kyoto, Japan for his supervision of this study, and Dr Atsuko Otsu, also with the University of Kyoto for her contribution. This study was supported by a research grant from the Japan Environment Ministry for the years 2001–2002.