Opinion: how are advances in aerosol science informing our understanding of the health impacts of outdoor particulate pollution?

Abstract

Abstract. Air pollution poses the greatest environmental threat to human health, causing an estimated nine million premature deaths annually and accounting for 5 % of the global GDP. This opinion paper explores how advances in aerosol science inform our understanding of the health impacts of outdoor particulate pollution. In the article, we advocate for a shift from solely considering total particulate matter (PM) mass to utilizing specific PM components as metrics for health assessments. This will allow targeted evidence-based interventions, limiting the most harmful anthropogenic emissions, while exempting uncontrollable or non-detrimental components. Central to this shift is the availability of global long-term PM chemical composition data obtained through field observations and modelling outputs. These data will serve as the new foundation for identifying the most harmful chemical components in different regions. We discuss emerging modelling tools for personalized exposure estimation to these components, present the type of ambient observations needed for model evaluation and highlight key gaps in our fundamental understanding of emissions and their health effects. Through global PM chemical composition data, advancements in modelling tools, and collaboration between aerosol scientists and epidemiologists, we can gain a deeper understanding of how different PM components influence disease development. The reevaluation of air quality guidelines with a focus on specific PM components will be essential for fostering healthier environments, preventing diseases and building resilient communities.