Study links meeting WHO air quality limits to millions of lives saved

A new analysis estimates that complying with the World Health Organization's tightened fine particulate matter standards could avert 9.4 million deaths each year, while cutting nitrogen dioxide to the revised limit might prevent about 1.1 million deaths annually. The research, conducted by University of Cambridge scientists, examined air quality data from 136 nations, where the average annual PM2.5 level is 30.44 µg/m³. The findings are released as world leaders convene at COP31 in Türkiye to discuss climate‑related health risks.