Globally, ambient particulate pollution (PM2.5) is estimated to cut the average person's life expectancy by 2.3 years. This is comparable to the average loss of life due to smoking (2.2 years). In 2021, the global population-weighted average PM2.5 level was approximately five times the World Health Organization guidelines of five micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3).
Average life expectancy loss due to leading external risks to human health worldwide as of 2021
(in years)
*PM2.5 relative to WHO Guideline bar displays the reduction in life expectancy relative to the WHO guideline (5 μg/m3) as calculated by latest AQLI (2021) data.
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EPIC (AQLI). (October 27, 2023). Average life expectancy loss due to leading external risks to human health worldwide as of 2021 (in years) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 07, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464212/major-global-threats-to-life-expectancy/
EPIC (AQLI). "Average life expectancy loss due to leading external risks to human health worldwide as of 2021 (in years)." Chart. October 27, 2023. Statista. Accessed October 07, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464212/major-global-threats-to-life-expectancy/
EPIC (AQLI). (2023). Average life expectancy loss due to leading external risks to human health worldwide as of 2021 (in years). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 07, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464212/major-global-threats-to-life-expectancy/
EPIC (AQLI). "Average Life Expectancy Loss Due to Leading External Risks to Human Health Worldwide as of 2021 (in Years)." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Oct 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464212/major-global-threats-to-life-expectancy/
EPIC (AQLI), Average life expectancy loss due to leading external risks to human health worldwide as of 2021 (in years) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464212/major-global-threats-to-life-expectancy/ (last visited October 07, 2024)
Average life expectancy loss due to leading external risks to human health worldwide as of 2021 (in years) [Graph], EPIC (AQLI), October 27, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1464212/major-global-threats-to-life-expectancy/
