Valuing the Health Risks Associated with Exposure To Air Pollution from Plastic Plants in Valenzuela City

Date

5-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Jaimie Kim B. Arias

Committee Member

Asa Jose U. Sajise, Gideon P. Carnaje, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

This study attempts to estimate the economic burden of illness associated with exposure to air pollution in selected communities in Valenzuela City. The analysis focused on valuing the cost borne by households using the Cost of Illness (COI) approach, which accounts for both direct costs (medical, transportation, and defensive spending) and indirect costs (lost productivity due to illness). A total of 80 households were surveyed across three barangays: Canumay West (CW), Lawang Bato (LB), and Paso de Blas (PB). The findings reveal that short-term symptoms such as cough, headache, and eye irritation were commonly reported, while chronic conditions like asthma and bronchitis were prevalent, particularly in CW and LB. Based on COI estimates averaged across all households, Canumay West recorded the highest total annual cost per household at ₱15,424.4, followed by Lawang Bato at ₱13,026.1, and Paso de Blas at ₱10,416.8. Chronic illnesses contributed slightly more (₱6,226.9) than short-term illnesses (₱6,071.4) to the total cost. The financial burden is substantial, especially for low-income households earning below ₱18,200 per month, as health-related expenses can consume more than half of their annual income. In light of these findings, the study recommends the implementation of targeted health support programs, improved access to preventive care, and local pollution mitigation strategies to reduce health and economic vulnerabilities in highly exposed urban communities.

Language

English

LC Subject

Air—Pollution—Health aspects—Research—Evaluation, Air—Pollution—Prevention

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 E2 V55

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Document Type

Thesis

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