Back to the Japanese Scorecard

Japan’s PM2.5 Air Pollution

#103 of 192 in the PM2.5 Air Pollution progress rankings

PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) represents the population-weighted exposure to fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter, capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory tract and causing health damage (lower is better).

Latest (2020)
12.8 µg/m³
Year-over-year
-0.1 µg/m³
Change since start (1990→2020)
-0.5 µg/m³

Key insights

  • From 1990 to 2020, PM2.5 Air Pollution changed by -0.5 µg/m³.
  • Most recent year-over-year change (2019→2020): -0.1 µg/m³.
  • Lowest level: 10.9 µg/m³ in 2010.
  • Highest level: 13.7 µg/m³ in 2014.

PM2.5 Air Pollution Chart (1990–2020)

*Average based on available data from 193 UN member countries

PM2.5 Air Pollution Table (1990–2020)

PM2.5 Air Pollution — Japan
Year PM2.5 Air Pollution
1990 13.4 µg/m³
1991 13.3 µg/m³
1992 13.2 µg/m³
1993 13.2 µg/m³
1994 13.1 µg/m³
1995 13.1 µg/m³
1996 13.1 µg/m³
1997 13.1 µg/m³
1998 13.2 µg/m³
1999 13.2 µg/m³
2000 13.2 µg/m³
2001 13.1 µg/m³
2002 12.9 µg/m³
2003 12.8 µg/m³
2004 12.5 µg/m³
2005 12.3 µg/m³
2006 12.0 µg/m³
2007 11.6 µg/m³
2008 11.2 µg/m³
2009 10.9 µg/m³
2010 10.9 µg/m³
2011 12.3 µg/m³
2012 12.8 µg/m³
2013 13.3 µg/m³
2014 13.7 µg/m³
2015 12.9 µg/m³
2016 12.8 µg/m³
2017 13.1 µg/m³
2018 13.1 µg/m³
2019 12.9 µg/m³
2020 12.8 µg/m³

Source: World Bank