Personal-Level Protective Actions Against Particulate Matter Air Pollution Exposure
Published: November 05, 2020
- Ambient air pollution is the world’s leading environmental risk factor, contributing more to global morbidity and mortality than many other common risk factors. Globally, an estimated 9 million deaths per year are attributable to particulate matter levels < 2.5 microns (PM2.5) in aerodynamic diameter.
- Due to an aging population and growing number of at-risk individuals (e.g., patients with cardiovascular disease), significant reductions in PM2.5 levels are needed to prevent an even greater public health toll.
- This scientific statement reviews the current evidence for personal-level strategies to prevent PM2.5 health impact, help guide and facilitate rational use of the most proven or viable approaches, circumvent use of ineffective or unreliable measures, and avoid unwarranted interventions when none may be required.
Supporting Materials
- Commentary: Protection From Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution: Policies or Personal-level Actions by John R. Balmes, MD
- Top Things to Know: Personal-Level Protective Actions Against Particulate Matter Air Pollution Exposure
- News Release: Personal protection and public policy change can decrease health impact of air pollution