Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Globally, chronic and acute exposures to elevated concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) represent a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases and increased premature mortality. Typical morbidities include chronic rhinosinusitis, respiratory diseases, and worsening cardiovascular health due to oxidative stress and systematic inflammation 1 . PM 2.5 mass is associated with cognitive decline as well as neurological dysfunction, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism spectrum disorder 2 , 3 . The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presently sets health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM 2.5 at values of 9 μg m −3 for the annual average, and 35 μg m −3 for the daily 24-hour average. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for PM 2.5 are more stringent. The WHO recommends that the ambient annual average mass concentration not exceed 5 μg m −3 and the 24-hour average not exceed 15 μg m −3 . In reality, there is no documented safe level for PM 2.5 exposure.
Source: npj Clean Air
Authors: Simon Rosanka, Ann Marie Carlton
Institution: University of California, Irvine
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
OpenAlex ID: W4411709765