Scientists spotlight global shifts in hazardous PM2.5 pollution

An international team of scientists presented the results of their research on the global distribution of one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution—PM2.5 particulate matter. These studies show that the situation in Europe is improving, but air pollution is increasing in some regions worldwide.

A group of researchers from the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) and other scientific centres around the world developed detailed charts presenting PM2.5 concentrations in the capitals of all countries. Data for these studies come from computer simulations and satellite observations. Thanks to these resources, scientists could estimate how the concentration of particulate matter in the air has changed since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The data can be seen on a special map, which is available here.

The research results show that some successes have been achieved in improving air quality, but they also highlight many challenges still ahead of us. Dr. Kirsty Pringle from the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) emphasizes: "Air pollution is often referred to as the 'invisible killer,' but our images make the invisible visible, showing changes in particulate pollution over the decades."

Professor Jim McQuaid from Leeds’ School of Earth and Environment adds: "The most important thing is that air pollution is one of the world's leading risk factors for death. It is estimated that it contributes to one in ten deaths worldwide. The air quality charts we developed show a very wide range of global trends and concentrations. These charts demonstrate that much more needs to be done to reduce people's exposure to polluted air. Some places are particularly affected."

Scientists point out several key conclusions from their research. First, air quality in Europe, particularly in its western part, is improving. This improvement is due to legal regulations and technological progress. However, the situation is worsening in Central Asia and some African regions. Scientists believe that rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the lack of adequate legal regulations are to blame.

Researchers emphasize that there are enormous differences in air quality around the world. In some places, in addition to human activities, pollution also comes from other sources such as forest fires or desert dust.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the average annual PM2.5 concentration should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre. This would indicate very good air quality. However, it is important to remember that medicine does not recognize a safe level of PM2.5. Unfortunately, currently, 99% of the world's population lives in places where the concentration exceeds the value indicated by WHO. The highest levels of PM2.5 are usually found in low and middle-income countries.

PM2.5 particles, the subject of this analysis, are particularly dangerous because they can penetrate deeply into the body, reaching various tissues. They have even been found in the blood of newborns.

Long-term exposure to high concentrations of this particulate matter can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or lung cancer. It can also trigger and worsen cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Research also shows that PM2.5 can negatively affect fetal development and cause premature deaths. Consequently, limiting exposure to PM2.5 is crucial for protecting public health.