Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): The culprit for chronic lung diseases in China

Abstract Air pollution is a world public health problem. Particulate matter (PM), a mix of solid and liquid particles in the air, becomes an increasing concern in the social and economic development of China. For decades, epidemiological studies have confirmed the association between fine particle pollutants and respiratory diseases. It has been reported in different populations that increased fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations cause elevated susceptibility to respiratory diseases, including acute respiratory distress, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of PM 2.5 in respiratory diseases, which are helpful for the prevention of air pollution and treatment of respiratory tract inflammatory diseases.