Secondary organic aerosols from anthropogenic volatile organic compounds contribute substantially to air pollution mortality

Abstract. Anthropogenic secondary organic aerosol (ASOA), formed from anthropogenic emissions of compounds, constitutes a substantial fraction the mass submicron in populated areas around world and contributes to poor air quality premature mortality. However, precursor sources ASOA are poorly understood, there large uncertainties health benefits that might accrue reducing emissions. We show production 11 urban on three continents is strongly correlated with reactivity specific volatile compounds. The differences across different cities can be explained by aromatics intermediate- semi-volatile indicating importance controlling these precursors. With an improved model representation driven observations, we attribute 340 000 PM2.5-related deaths per year ASOA, which over order magnitude higher than prior studies. A sensitivity case more recently proposed for attributing mortality PM2.5 (the Global Exposure Mortality Model) results up 900 deaths. limitation this study extrapolation detailed studies regions where emission inventories available other larger. In addition further development institutional management infrastructure, comprehensive campaigns countries South Central America, Africa, Asia, Middle East needed progress area.