Ambient PM2.5 reduces global and regional life expectancy

Abstract

Ambient PM2.5 air pollution is a major risk factor for premature death. This study systematically quantifies the global impact of PM2.5 on the expected years of life lost (LE). Utilizing data from a global study, LE decrements attributable to ambient PM2.5 were estimated for 185 countries. In 2016, global population-weighted LE at birth was reduced by ∼1 year, with ∼1.2−1.9 year reductions in highly polluted nations of Asia and Africa. These lost years of life expectancy were comparable to the benefits that would come from eradicating lung and breast cancer. High age-specific rates of cardiovascular disease present in many polluted low- and middle-income countries amplify the life-shortening impact of PM2.5. – AI-generated abstract.