Researchers estimated historical fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution levels across North America from 1981 to 2016 by combining satellite data, computer modeling, and ground-based measurements. The study found that average PM2.5 concentrations fell dramatically over the period, dropping from 22 μg per cubic meter in 1981 to about 7.9 μg per cubic meter in 2016. While this research focuses on air quality rather than airport noise, it provides a scientific framework for tracking long-term environmental exposure trends relevant to public health policy.Open full document
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This study presents historical estimates of PM2.5 concentrations across North America from 1981 to 2016 by combining chemical transport modeling (GEOS-Chem), satellite remote sensing, and ground-based measurements. The estimates were validated against direct PM2.5 measurements and historical PM10/TSP data. Results show population-weighted annual average PM2.5 declined from 22 ± 6.4 μg m−3 in 1981 to 7.9 ± 2.1 μg m−3 in 2016, with an overall trend of −0.33 μg m−3 yr−1.