Globally the average annual concentration of PM2.5 between 2000-2019 was estimated at 32.8 µg/m3, with the highest levels recorded in East Asia (50 µg/m3)
Only 0.001% of the world’s population and 0.18% of the planet’s land area are exposed during the year to levels of tiny particles in the air that are considered completely safe, according to the new stricter standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), as it shows a new global study, the most comprehensive of its kind.
While levels of PM2.5 fine particles (less than 2.5 millionths of a meter in diameter) have declined in Europe and North America over the past two decades, they have instead increased in South Asia, Australia-NZ and Latin America . Levels higher than safe limits (15 µg/m3 or micrograms per cubic meter of air) are recorded worldwide on more than 70% of the days of the year. In southern and eastern Asia concentrations of fine particles exceed these safety levels on more than 90% of the days of the year.
The researchers, led by Professor Yuming Guo of the School of Public Health at Australia’s Monash University in Melbourne, who made the relevant publication in the journal “The Lancet Planetary Health”, analyzed a wealth of observations from ground and satellite stations and probes.
Globally the average annual PM2.5 concentration between 2000-2019 was estimated at 32.8 µg/m3, with the highest levels recorded in East Asia (50 µg/m3), South Asia (37.2 µg/m3) and in Africa (30.1 µg/m3). It should be noted that based on the new limit set by the WHO from 2021, the average annual level of PM2.5 microparticles must not exceed 5 μg/m3. Only 0.001% of the population and 0.18% of the Earth’s land area are below this air pollution threshold.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
