Years of life lost due to PM2.5 exposure

The indicator measures the years of life lost (YLL) due to exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 are particulates whose diameter is less than 2.5 micrometres and which can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and exacerbate the condition of people suffering heart and lung diseases. YLL is defined as the years of potential life lost as a result of premature death. It is an estimate of the average number of years that a person would have lived if they had not died prematurely.