Global and Regional Perspectives on Particulate Matter and Air Quality: Environmental and Health Impacts, Challenges, Policies, and Solutions

Dear Colleagues,

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time, significantly impacting human health, ecosystems, and the global economy. The Global Burden of Disease study group confirms that particulate matter is the leading contributor to the global disease burden, while the World Bank estimates the global health costs associated with PM exposure at USD 8.1 trillion. These findings highlight its profound socio-economic and public health implications while underscoring the urgent need to address PM pollution as a pivotal aspect of improving air quality worldwide.

The complex interplay between natural and anthropogenic sources—such as fossil fuel combustion, vehicular emissions, industrial and construction activities, agricultural and forest fires, sandstorms, volcanic eruptions, and others—complicates the challenge of achieving cleaner air. Additionally, variations in PM concentrations and composition across geographic regions, driven by local emission profiles and meteorological conditions, demand tailored mitigation strategies informed by scientific evidence. These challenges are especially urgent in low- and middle-income countries, where populations experience disproportionate exposure and adverse health impacts due to weaker regulatory frameworks.

This multifaceted global problem intersects with the priorities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, climate action, and sustainable urbanization, and its significance is further heightened by future scenarios that predict escalating risks under business-as-usual trajectories. These projections highlight the urgency of integrated approaches that combine predictive modeling, policy interventions, and public engagement.

In this context, this Special Issue seeks to advance the understanding of PM air pollution by bringing together research on global and regional studies that investigate its sources, health impacts, environmental implications, economic evaluations, future scenarios, and potential solutions. Contributions in various formats, such as original research, reviews, brief reports, case studies, and commentaries, are invited to provide a diverse perspective on this global environmental challenge.

Dr. Ronan Adler Tavella
Prof. Dr. Flavio Rodrigues
Dr. Simone Georges El Khouri Miraglia
Guest Editors

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