Abstract:
Background: Ambient air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM)
arising from dust, industrial emissions, and vehicular exhaust, constitutes the world's largest
single environmental health risk. Objective: This article examines the pathophysiological
mechanisms by which inhaled particulate matter damages multiple organ systems, reviews
epidemiological evidence linking dust exposure to specific disease outcomes, and evaluates
public health interventions for mitigation. Methods: Narrative review of primary studies,
systematic reviews, and reports from WHO, IARC, and national environmental agencies
published between 2005 and 2024. Results: Inhalation of PM2.5 and coarser particles triggers
pulmonary inflammation, oxidative stress, systemic vascular injury, neurological impairment,
and carcinogenesis. An estimated 6.7 million deaths annually are attributable to ambient air
pollution. Conclusion: Urgent regulatory action, technological innovation, and individual
protective measures are required to reduce the disease burden of particulate air pollution
globally
