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Modelled exposure to particulate matter air pollution

Based on ground measurements, satellite retrievals of aerosol optical depth, chemical transport models and population data, exposure estimates (as known as population-weighted concentration) for particulate matter are derived at country level. The exposure estimates are available for the 194 WHO Member States, and breakdown for urban and rural areas is also provided.

Exposure estimates at urban levels are reported as SDG 11.6.2.

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Indicator name:
Annual mean concentration of particulate matter of less than 2.5 microns of diameter (PM2.5) [ug/m3] in urban areas
Short name:
Annual mean PM2.5 concentration in urban areas
Data type:
Statistic
Indicator Id:
4674
Topic:
Risk factors
ISO Health Indicators Framework
Environmental factors
Rationale:
Air pollution consists of many pollutants, among other particulate matter. These particles are able to penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract and therefore constitute a risk for health by increasing mortality from respiratory infections and diseases, lung cancer, and selected cardiovascular diseases.
Definition:
The mean annual concentration of fine suspended particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameters is a common measure of air pollution. The mean is a population-weighted average for urban population in a country.
Method of measurement
Concentration of PM2.5 are regularly measured from fixed-site,  population-oriented monitors located within the metropolitan areas. High-quality measurements of PM concentration from all the monitors in the metropolitan area can be averaged to develop a single estimate.  
Method of estimation:
Although PM is measured at many thousands of locations throughout the world, the amount of monitors in different geographical areas vary, with some areas having little or no monitoring. In order to produce global estimates at high resolution (0.1◦ grid‐cells), additional data is required. Annual urban mean concentration of PM2.5 is estimated with improved modelling using data integration from satellite remote sensing, population estimates, topography and ground measurements.
Preferred data sources:
Special studies
Expected frequency of data dissemination:
Every 2-3 years
Expected frequency of data collection:
Every 2-3 years
Contact person email:
[email protected]
Name:
Sophie Gumy
Indicator Metadata Registry List
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted)
Contact information for general inquiries: [email protected]