Global air pollution trends: Europe improves, but not other regions

An international team of scientists presented the results of their research on the global distribution of one of the most dangerous types of air pollution—PM 2.5 particulate matter. These studies showed that while the situation in Europe is improving, air pollution is increasing in some regions worldwide.

Researchers from the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) and other scientific centers worldwide developed detailed charts depicting PM 2.5 concentrations in the capitals of various countries. The data for these studies come from computer simulations and satellite observations. Thanks to these tools, 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 available here.

The research results show some successes in improving air quality but highlight many challenges that still lie ahead. Dr. Kirsty Pringle from the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) emphasizes, "Air pollution is often called the invisible killer but these images make the invisible visible, showing the changes over the decades."

Professor Jim McQuaid from Leeds’ School of Earth and Environment adds, "The bottom line is that air pollution is one of the world's leading risk factors for death, it is thought to contribute to one in ten deaths globally. Our Air Quality Stripes show the huge range in trends and concentrations around the world. The stripes demonstrate that there is still more work to be done to reduce people’s exposure to poor air quality, and in some places a great deal more!"

Scientists point out several key conclusions from their research. First, air quality in Europe, particularly in its western part, is improving. This improvement results from 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, pollution comes from natural sources such as forest fires, desert dust, and human activities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the average annual PM 2.5 concentration should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter to indicate excellent air quality. However, it is crucial to remember that medicine does not recognize a safe level of PM 2.5. Currently, 99% of the world's population lives in places where the concentration exceeds the value indicated by WHO. The highest levels of PM 2.5 are usually found in low and middle-income countries.

PM 2.5 particles, the focus 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, and lung cancer. It can also trigger and worsen cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Research shows that PM 2.5 can negatively affect fetal development and cause premature deaths. Consequently, limiting exposure to PM 2.5 is crucial for protecting public health.