Reversal of trends in global fine particulate matter air pollution

Chi Li (), Aaron van Donkelaar, Melanie S. Hammer, Erin E. McDuffie, Richard T. Burnett, Joseph V. Spadaro, Deepangsu Chatterjee, Aaron J. Cohen, Joshua S. Apte, Veronica A. Southerland, Susan C. Anenberg, Michael Brauer and Randall V. Martin
Additional contact information
Chi Li: Washington University in St. Louis
Aaron van Donkelaar: Washington University in St. Louis
Melanie S. Hammer: Washington University in St. Louis
Erin E. McDuffie: Washington University in St. Louis
Richard T. Burnett: University of Washington
Joseph V. Spadaro: Spadaro Environmental Research Consultants (SERC)
Deepangsu Chatterjee: Washington University in St. Louis
Aaron J. Cohen: University of Washington
Joshua S. Apte: University of California
Veronica A. Southerland: George Washington University
Susan C. Anenberg: George Washington University
Michael Brauer: University of Washington
Randall V. Martin: Washington University in St. Louis

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the world’s leading environmental health risk factor. Quantification is needed of regional contributions to changes in global PM2.5 exposure. Here we interpret satellite-derived PM2.5 estimates over 1998-2019 and find a reversal of previous growth in global PM2.5 air pollution, which is quantitatively attributed to contributions from 13 regions. Global population-weighted (PW) PM2.5 exposure, related to both pollution levels and population size, increased from 1998 (28.3 μg/m3) to a peak in 2011 (38.9 μg/m3) and decreased steadily afterwards (34.7 μg/m3 in 2019). Post-2011 change was related to exposure reduction in China and slowed exposure growth in other regions (especially South Asia, the Middle East and Africa). The post-2011 exposure reduction contributes to stagnation of growth in global PM2.5-attributable mortality and increasing health benefits per µg/m3 marginal reduction in exposure, implying increasing urgency and benefits of PM2.5 mitigation with aging population and cleaner air.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41086-z

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