The global annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) concentration was 28.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) in 2021. While this was an overall increase of 15 percent from 2000 levels, it is a decrease of 14 percent from 2011 levels. Nevertheless, 2021 PM2.5 levels were still more than fives times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines of five micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3).
PM2.5 refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. When inhaled, these tiny particles can lead to various health impacts such as heart and respiratory diseases, and can also lead to premature death.
Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2021
(in micrograms per cubic meter of air)
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EPIC (AQLI). (September 24, 2023). Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2021 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464237/global-annual-average-pm25-concentrations/
EPIC (AQLI). "Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2021 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air)." Chart. September 24, 2023. Statista. Accessed December 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464237/global-annual-average-pm25-concentrations/
EPIC (AQLI). (2023). Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2021 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464237/global-annual-average-pm25-concentrations/
EPIC (AQLI). "Annual Average Particulate Pollution (Pm2.5) Levels Worldwide from 2000 to 2021 (in Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air)." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Sep 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464237/global-annual-average-pm25-concentrations/
EPIC (AQLI), Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2021 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464237/global-annual-average-pm25-concentrations/ (last visited December 22, 2024)
Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2021 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) [Graph], EPIC (AQLI), September 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464237/global-annual-average-pm25-concentrations/
