Use of satellite imagery to estimate global mortality attributable to fine particulate air pollution

Abstract

Background: Studies assessing the effects of air pollution on health have traditionally relied upon ground-monitoring stations to measure ambient concentrations. Use of satellite derived air pollution measures poses the advantage of providing global coverage. Objective: To undertake a global assessment of mortality associated with chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollution using remote sensory data. Methods: Global PM2.5 exposure levels were derived from MODIS and MISR satellite instruments. Relative risks and attributable fractions of mortality were modelled using previously developed concentration-response functions for the association between PM2.5 and mortality. Results: The global fraction of adult mortality attributable to the anthropogenic component of PM2.5 was 4.5% (95% confidence interval: 2.9-6.0) for cardiopulmonary disease, 5.6% (2.5-8.3) for lung cancer, and 8.2% (5.6-10.4) for ischemic heart disease. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that it is feasible to use satellite derived pollution concentrations in a global assessment of mortality and air pollution.