Spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 concentrations and related premature deaths in Asia, Africa, and Europe from 2000 to 2018

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is one of leading environmental problems worldwide, posing a serious threat to global public health. Based on long-time series of satellite-retrieved PM2.5 concentrations, this study estimated premature deaths from six diseases (acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes (DIA), ischemic heart disease (IHD), lung cancer (LNC), and stroke (STR)) attributable to PM2.5 in Asia, Africa, and Europe (AAE). The results showed that the 19-year average population-weighted PM2.5 concentration in AAE was 41.7 μg/m3, with 47.4, 33.9, and 15.5 μg/m3 for Asia, Africa, and Europe, respectively. In AAE, the total annual average premature deaths related to PM2.5 were 2819 thousand (95% confidence interval (CI): 2348–4021), with 2261 thousand (95% CI: 1880–3396) in Asia, 170 thousand (95% CI: 128–276) in Africa, and 388 thousand (95% CI: 305–599) in Europe. STR and IHD were the major contributors to premature deaths in AAE, accounting for 38.5% and 33.3%, respectively. DIA, as a newly considered disease, was responsible for 4.8% premature deaths of the total. Besides, high values of premature deaths were concentrated in China and India during 2000–2018, with 1228 thousand (95% CI: 912–1922) and 506 thousand (95% CI: 389–720) annual average premature deaths (43.6% and 17.9% of the total in AAE). The results of this study provide a reference for different countries in AAE to formulate PM2.5 pollution control strategies.