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Short-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Cause Specific-Mortality, and High-Risk Populations: A
Seoyeong Ahn1,2, Jieun Oh3, Hyewon Yun4
1Department of Information Convergence Engineering College of Information and Biomedical Engineering Pusan National University Yangsan South Korea.
Geohealth
|September 29, 2025
Summary
Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases mortality risk, particularly for younger individuals. Stricter PM2.5 standards and action plans are recommended to mitigate these health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increased mortality.
- Previous studies show mixed results regarding high-risk populations and regions.
- PM2.5 pollution remains a significant global public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and mortality in South Korea (2015-2019).
- To identify high-risk populations and geographical areas.
- To estimate the burden of disease attributable to PM2.5 non-compliance with WHO guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study design.
- Machine-learning ensemble model for PM2.5 prediction in unmonitored areas.
- Estimation of excess mortality and Years of Life Lost (YLL).
- Examination of effect modification by green space and medical facility accessibility.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 exposure was positively associated with non-accidental, circulatory, and respiratory mortality.
- Associations were generally stronger in younger age groups (0-69 years).
- Non-compliance with WHO PM2.5 guidelines resulted in an estimated 0.80% excess mortality and 186,808.52 YLL.
Conclusions:
- Short-term PM2.5 exposure poses a significant mortality risk in South Korea, with younger populations being more vulnerable.
- Findings support the establishment of stricter PM2.5 standards and targeted public health interventions.
- Improving access to green spaces and medical facilities may mitigate PM2.5 health impacts.
