Dataset Information

Use of satellite observations for long-term exposure assessment of global concentrations of fine particulate matter.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: More than a decade of satellite observations offers global information about the trend and magnitude of human exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we developed improved global exposure estimates of ambient PM2.5 mass and trend using PM2.5 concentrations inferred from multiple satellite instruments. METHODS: We combined three satellite-derived PM2.5 sources to produce global PM2.5 estimates at about 10 km × 10 km from 1998 through 2012. For each source, we related total column retrievals of aerosol optical depth to near-ground PM2.5 using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model to represent local aerosol optical properties and vertical profiles. We collected 210 global ground-based PM2.5 observations from the literature to evaluate our satellite-based estimates with values measured in areas other than North America and Europe. RESULTS: We estimated that global population-weighted ambient PM2.5 concentrations increased 0.55 ?g/m3/year (95% CI: 0.43, 0.67) (2.1%/year; 95% CI: 1.6, 2.6) from 1998 through 2012. Increasing PM2.5 in some developing regions drove this global change, despite decreasing PM2.5 in some developed regions. The estimated proportion of the population of East Asia living above the World Health Organization (WHO) Interim Target-1 of 35 ?g/m3 increased from 51% in 1998-2000 to 70% in 2010-2012. In contrast, the North American proportion above the WHO Air Quality Guideline of 10 ?g/m3 fell from 62% in 1998-2000 to 19% in 2010-2012. We found significant agreement between satellite-derived estimates and ground-based measurements outside North America and Europe (r = 0.81; n = 210; slope = 0.68). The low bias in satellite-derived estimates suggests that true global concentrations could be even greater. CONCLUSIONS: Satellite observations provide insight into global long-term changes in ambient PM2.5 concentrations. Satellite-derived estimates and ground-based PM2.5 observations from this study are available for public use.

SUBMITTER: van Donkelaar A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4314252 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Use of satellite observations for long-term exposure assessment of global concentrations of fine particulate matter.

van Donkelaar Aaron A Martin Randall V RV Brauer Michael M Boys Brian L BL

Environmental health perspectives 20141024 2

<h4>Background</h4>More than a decade of satellite observations offers global information about the trend and magnitude of human exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).<h4>Objective</h4>In this study, we developed improved global exposure estimates of ambient PM2.5 mass and trend using PM2.5 concentrations inferred from multiple satellite instruments.<h4>Methods</h4>We combined three satellite-derived PM2.5 sources to produce global PM2.5 estimates at about 10 km × 10 km from 1998 through 2 ...[more]

PMID: 25343779

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Project description:In order to study effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) it was previously necessary to have access to a comprehensive air monitoring network. However, there are locations in the world where PM levels are above generally accepted exposure standards but lack a monitoring infrastructure. This is true in Iraq and other locations in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan where U.S. and other coalition troops were deployed beginning in 2001. Since aerosol optical depth (AOD), determined by satellite, and visibility are both highly related to atmospheric PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ?2.5 ?m) concentrations, we employed a novel approach that took advantage of historic airport visibility measurements to calibrate the AOD-visibility relationship and determine visibility spatially and temporally (2006-2007) over an approximately 17,000 km2 region of Iraq. We obtained daily visibility predictions that were highly associated with satellite-based 1x1 km AOD daily observations (R2=0.87). Based on a previously derived calibration between PM2.5 and visibility, we were able to predict spatially and temporally resolved PM2.5 concentrations. Variability of PM2.5 among sites was high, with daily concentrations differing by as much as ~30 ?g/m3. This study demonstrates the feasibility of characterizing historic PM2.5 exposures in Iraq and other locations in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan with similar climate characteristics. This is of utility for epidemiologists seeking to assess the potential health effects related to PM2.5 exposures among previously deployed military personnel and of the population of the region. IMPLICATIONS:This study demonstrates the ability to utilize aerosol optical depth to successfully estimate visibility spatially and temporally in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan. This enables for the estimation of spatially resolved PM2.5 concentrations in the region. The ability to caracterize PM2.5 concentrations in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan is highly important for epidemiologists investigating the relationship between chronic exposure to PM2.5 and respiratory diseases among military personnel deployed to the region. This information will better position policy makers to draft meaningful legislation relating to military health.

Dataset Information

Use of satellite observations for long-term exposure assessment of global concentrations of fine particulate matter.

Publications

Use of satellite observations for long-term exposure assessment of global concentrations of fine particulate matter.

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