RISUD key study on PM2.5 air pollution awarded RGC Theme-based Research Scheme Funding
A key research study on fine particulate air pollution and health led b y Prof. Li Xiangdong—Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Dev elopment—was awarded funding of HK$44.5 million under the Theme-based Research Scheme 2022/23 (Twelfth Round) of the Research Grants Council (RGC).
The project “Unravelling the Black Box Between Air Pollution and Public Health for Transformative Air Quality Management” seeks to identify the toxic components and emission sources that contribute to the acute toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease.
The study will make evidence-based recommendations on efficacious, practical and cost-effective approaches to managing air quality and public health in Hong Kong and around the world. The project may lead to a revision of the Air Quality Health Index algorithm and associated health advice, and an evaluation of and enhancement to the Air Quality Objectives in Hong Kong. The findings will be shared with national and international bodies to influence future policy-making on air quality in different parts of the world.
Prof. Li will lead an interdisciplinary team of researchers from PolyU and other universities as well as advisors of the World Health Organization. The team will organise regular workshops for experts and stakeholders on important health issues associated with PM2.5.
The research team will leverage the latest advances in environmental toxicology and molecular epidemiology to overcome scientific challenges in identifying the toxic components and emission sources of PM2.5. Through an existing PM2.5 global monitoring network, the team will select and focus on multiple cities with distinct natural and socioeconomic conditions. They will investigate different carbon emission reduction strategies towards carbon neutrality and the health benefits associated with the control of air pollution and climate change.
In the long term, the results of the research will help to inform future studies on the chronic effects of PM2.5 on health
and the identification of ways to reduce associated health risks.
The project is one of eight outstanding research proposals that were awarded in the latest round of the RGC funding scheme.
