Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program – Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) is a computer program that calculates the number and economic value of health impacts that result from changes in air pollution concentrations. BenMAP-CE identifies the health risks due to changes in air quality – specifically, ground-level ozone and fine particles. Fine particles can enter deep into the lungs and enter the blood stream. Health impacts from particles include:

• Premature death
• Non-fatal heart attacks
• Aggravated asthma

Ground-level ozone is an oxidant that can irritate airways in the lungs. Health impacts form ozone include:

• Premature death
• Aggravated asthma
• Lost days of school

Key questions addressed:

• What are the health impacts associated with poor air quality?
• What are the benefits of policy that reduce air pollution by a certain amount?

Sample data inputs:

• Air quality data
• Population data
• Incidence and/or prevelance rates of health effects

Sample quantitative outputs:

Health incidents (i.e., mortality, non-fatal heart attacks, hospital admissions, chronic bronchitis, acute respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks, asthma emergency room visits, work loss days, worker productivity, and school absence rates) and related economic costs

Access the BenMAP-CE tool.

Resources:

BenMAP-CE user manual

Training materials are available here.

Case studies are available here.