The purpose of this study was to assess the impact to human health of air pollutants,
through the integration of different technics: data statistics (spatial and temporal
trends), population attributable fraction using AIRQ+ model developed by the WHO,
and burden of disease using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The levels of
SO2, NO, NO2, O3, H2S, benzene, PM10, PM2.5, CO, benzo(a)pyrene and metals, obtained
between 2005 and 2017 from the air quality monitoring network across Camp de Tarragona
County, were temporally and spatially determined. Health impacts were evaluated using
the AIRQ+ model. Finally, the burden of disease was assessed through the calculation
of Years of Lost life (YLL) and Years Lost due to Disability (YLD). In general terms,
air quality was good according to European quality standards, but it did not fulfil
the WHO guidelines, especially for O3, PM10 and PM2.5. Several decreasing (NO, NO2,
SO2, PM10 and benzene) and an increasing (O3) temporal trend were found. Correlation
between unemployment rate and air pollutant levels was found, pointing that the economic
crisis (2008-2014) was a factor influencing the air pollutant levels. Reduction of
air pollutant levels (PM2.5) to WHO guidelines in the Camp de Tarragona County would
decrease the adult mortality between 23 and 297 cases per year, which means between
0.5 and 7% of all mortality in the area. In this County, for lung cancer, ischemic
heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to levels of
PM2.5 above the WHO threshold limits, DAYLs were 240 years. This means around 80 DALYs
for 100,000 persons every year -between 2005 and 2017. Population attributable fraction
(PAF) and burden of disease (DALYs) methodologies are suitable tools for regional
and national policymakers, who must take decisions to prevent and to control air pollution
and to analyse the cost-effectiveness of interventions.