Researchers used data from studies on outdoor air pollution in 16 countries to construct a model for estimating the exposure and mortality risk related to fine particulate matter (PM2.5); the model predicted a significantly greater number of avoidable deaths than a standard mortality risk model in a scenario with a 20% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations based on PM2.5 exposure estimates for 2015, suggesting that the health benefits tied to reducing PM2.5 concentrations are likely greater than previously thought.
Article #18-03222: "Global estimates of mortality associated with long-term exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter," by Richard Burnett et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Richard Burnett, Population Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, CANADA; tel: 613-404-6754; e-mail: <rick.burnett@canada.ca>
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