Author(s)

M. A. K. Smith

Abstract

The development of an Air Pollution Abatement Strategy for Cairo, Egypt; analytical support for decision-making under uncertainty M.A.K. Smith, Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, Scotland Abstract The major objective of this paper is to provide decision-makers sufficient information to initiate an Air Pollution Abatement Strategy for Cairo. The purpose of the analysis was to identify the major air pollution activities and to assess the relative importance of these activities to the economy by assessment of the potential economic benefit gained through successful abatement of their pollution. Estimates of health impacts resulting from air pollution indicate annual economic losses of US$ 1.3 billion, representing approximately 6 percent of the gross regional product. Urban solid waste burning, industrial Waste generation, industrial heavy fuel use and diesel fuel consumption in the transport sector arq the major sources of particulate air pollution. Urban solid waste burning contributes 25% of the total particulate load (TPL), which represents a potential annual economic benefit (PAEB) of US$ 300 million from eradication of this pollution source. Industrial waste generation is responsible for 22% of TPL; PAEB US$ 266 million. Industrial fuel (mazut) consumption contributes approximately 50% of the pollution load from all fuel consumption (21% TPL; PAEB US$262). Diesel fuel consumption is the other major fuel that significantly contributes to particulate loading (19% TPL; PAEB US232 million). Agricultural burning is a major contributor to air pollution on a seasonal basis (annual average 12% TPL; PAEB US$ 146 million).

Keywords