By matching nearly 140,000 county-level suicide records from 2013 to 2017 with data from over 1,400 air pollution monitors across China, researchers found a strong correlation between improved air quality and reduced suicide rates. While factors like economic growth and education played a role, the study estimates that the decline in PM2.5 levels prevented between 13,000 and 79,000 suicides over five years. This accounts for approximately 10% of the overall decrease in suicide rates during this period. China’s concerted efforts to combat air pollution, as evidenced by the significant reduction in PM2.5 concentrations from 72 to 43 micrograms per cubic meter between 2013 and 2017, have not only improved air quality but also positively impacted public health. The study highlights the detrimental effects of air pollution on mental health, with each 12% reduction in PM2.5 levels associated with a 6-month increase in life expectancy for Chinese residents.
