PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)

Population-weighted exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, specifically particles smaller than 2.5 microns, serves as a critical indicator of air quality and public health risk. This measure reflects the average exposure levels faced by individuals across urban and rural landscapes, emphasizing the distribution of air pollution exposure relative to population density. By integrating mean annual concentrations of these hazardous particles with demographic data, this assessment provides insight into the potential health impacts, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases linked to long-term exposure. Understanding this exposure metric not only aids in identifying high-risk populations but also supports policymakers in implementing targeted interventions to improve air quality and safeguard public health. Source: