Airborne nanopollutants linked to 2 million annual deaths, study finds

An international study by Germany's Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the Cyprus Institute has estimated that invisible airborne particles smaller than 100 nanometers cause about 2 million deaths worldwide each year, accounting for roughly 5% of all non-communicable disease fatalities. The particles can pass easily from the lungs into the bloodstream and reach the brain through the olfactory nerve, the researchers said. Using satellite data and artificial intelligence, the team produced a global exposure map with one-kilometer resolution covering 2010–2019, finding urban concentrations of 10,000 to 30,000 particles per cubic centimeter. According to the study, 91% of the deaths occurred in cities and densely populated areas, with 78% concentrated in major urban centers. Fossil fuel combustion in transport, industry and energy production was identified as the largest source, accounting for 75% of global exposure and 90% in wealthier countries. The researchers said imposing an annual limit of 5,000 particles per cubic centimeter could reduce such deaths by about 45%.