Particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels in South Asia averaged 41.4 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) in 2022. This was almost double the average global PM2.5 concentration that year. PM2.5 refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. When inhaled, these tiny particles can lead to various health impacts such as heart and respiratory diseases, and can also lead to premature death.
In 2014, China declared war on pollution. Since then, the country has cut PM2.5 pollution by more than 40 percent. Nevertheless, average annual PM2.5 levels in China were still almost six times above the World Health Organization's recommended limit of five μg/m3.
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Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by region
(in micrograms per cubic meter of air)
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EPIC (AQLI). (September 12, 2024). Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by region (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552529/annual-average-pm25-concentrations-worldwide-by-region/
EPIC (AQLI). "Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by region (in micrograms per cubic meter of air)." Chart. September 12, 2024. Statista. Accessed June 27, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552529/annual-average-pm25-concentrations-worldwide-by-region/
EPIC (AQLI). (2024). Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by region (in micrograms per cubic meter of air). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 27, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552529/annual-average-pm25-concentrations-worldwide-by-region/
EPIC (AQLI). "Annual Average Particulate Pollution (Pm2.5) Levels Worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by Region (in Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air)." Statista, Statista Inc., 12 Sep 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552529/annual-average-pm25-concentrations-worldwide-by-region/
EPIC (AQLI), Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by region (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552529/annual-average-pm25-concentrations-worldwide-by-region/ (last visited June 27, 2025)
Annual average particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels worldwide from 2000 to 2022, by region (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) [Graph], EPIC (AQLI), September 12, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552529/annual-average-pm25-concentrations-worldwide-by-region/
