Researchers at The Cyprus Institute have created the world’s first global maps of ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations, producing a dataset that highlights sharp contrasts between clean natural environments and densely populated urban areas. The findings provide an essential new tool for understanding how ultrafine pollution affects public health worldwide.
According to the Institute, the work comes at a critical moment. A new EU Air Quality Directive, expected to take effect in 2026, will require member states to monitor UFP levels as part of their ambient-air assessments. Although no official UFP limits exist yet, the upcoming measurements will help guide future European standards aligned with World Health Organization recommendations.
Ultrafine particles are invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. While PM10 and PM2.5 have long been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease, UFPs—smaller than 0.01 μm—are increasingly recognised as a significant health risk, capable of reaching vital organs. Until now, however, global data on UFP concentrations has been scarce.
To bridge this gap, scientists from the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) and the Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC) developed a machine-learning model trained on real ground-station measurements. The model produced high-resolution global maps, at a scale of one kilometre, covering the decade 2010–2019 and accurately capturing worldwide patterns of ultrafine pollution.
The results, published in Nature Scientific Data, reveal striking differences. Remote and forested regions typically record just a few thousand particles per cubic centimetre, while major cities frequently surpass 40,000. By number, ultrafine particles make up around 91 per cent of all airborne particles.
“This new global dataset enables scientists, governments and public-health organisations to identify pollution hotspots, assess health impacts and design targeted interventions,” said Dr Pantelis Georgiades, lead author of the study.
Source: CNA