Progress on PM2.5 and its adverse impact on lung tissues

The atmospheric particulate matter(PM) is widely regarded as one of major environmentally and unfriendly ambient air pollution, and therein PM2.5 (diameter≤2.5 μm) is most closely related to human health.Because of its smaller diameter with longer suspension duration, PM can absorb many pathogenic microorganisms, and easily enter into the deep of airway and then deposit on the bronchus and alveoli, and it brings damage to the lung tissues and the surfactant proteins.PM can give rise to oxidative stress, inflammation response, cells and DNA damage.Now, this review focuses on the characterization and composition of PM, as well as the impact of PM2.5 on the lung, surfactant proteins and human health, which helps to call for more people to pay attention to this environmental issue in order to better mitigate and prevent the damage caused by PM. Key words: PM2.5; Pulmonary injury; Pulmonary surfactant protein