Assessing the burden of respiratory infections and tuberculosis attributable to particulate matter pollution across country income groups, 1990–2023

4th International Conference on Pioneer and Academic Research ICPAR 2026, Konya, Turkey, 26 - 27 May 2026, pp.34-41, (Full Text)

Particulate matter (PM) pollution remains a major environmental risk factor contributing to

respiratory infections and tuberculosis worldwide. This study assessed the burden of mortality and

disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to particulate matter pollution across global income

groups and Türkiye between 1990 and 2023. Data were evaluated using age-standardized mortality rates

(ASMR) and age-standardized DALY rates with 95% uncertainty intervals. Joinpoint regression analysis

was performed to examine temporal trends. Globally, mortality attributable to particulate matter pollution

declined from 19.73 to 7.69 per 100,000 population (−61%), while DALY rates decreased from 1430.96 to

373.45 per 100,000 (−74%) between 1990 and 2023. Türkiye also demonstrated substantial reductions,

with mortality decreasing from 9.14 to 5.51 per 100,000 (−40%) and DALYs from 697.41 to 109.13 per

100,000 (−84%). Low-income countries consistently exhibited the highest burden, with mortality rates

remaining elevated in 2023 (20.98 per 100,000), whereas high-income countries maintained the lowest

levels throughout the study period. Upper-middle-income countries experienced the greatest decline in

DALY rates (−90%). Joinpoint regression findings indicated that the sharpest decreases occurred during

the late 1990s and early 2000s, followed by a slower decline after 2010. These findings demonstrate

substantial global progress in reducing pollution-attributable respiratory disease burden; however,

persistent disparities across income groups highlight the continuing need for equitable environmental and

public health interventions.