Particulate matter (PM)

Particulate matter (PM) refers to a complex and variable mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in air, originating from natural sources (such as dust, pollen, sea salt) and human activities (such as combustion, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions)[1][3][5][7][9]. PM is classified by aerodynamic diameter: **PM10** (<10 μm), **PM2.5** (<2.5 μm), and ultrafine particles (<0.1 μm[2]). These particles carry diverse chemicals, can penetrate deep into the lungs (PM2.5 and smaller), and are associated with a range of adverse health effects, including inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer (recognized as a Group 1 carcinogen), and neurodegenerative outcomes[3][6][8]. Particulate matter is regulated as a pollutant, not as a biological or pharmacological target; there are no direct pharmacological antagonists, and interventions focus on exposure reduction and public health monitoring rather than drug targeting of PM itself[6][7][9].

Other names

Particulatesparticle pollutionairborne particulate matterPM10PM2.5ultrafine particles