Study Shows How Air Pollution Affects Human Health and Climate Written by AZoCleantechFeb 24 2021 For the first time, scientists from the University of Helsinki have resolved how the ultrafine particles in the air have an impact on health and the climate. Researchers followed the growth and chemical composition of the freshly formed particles until those reached sizes where they contribute to mass accumulation. Image Credit: Lubna Dada. Every day, more than 10,000 people die from atmospheric air pollution. The mass buildup of atmospheric particles, measuring less than 2.5 µm in diameter, is believed to be the biggest hazard to human health, that is, if the mass and loss of visibility are higher, the threat will be bigger.