A Review of the Research Methods Used to Determine the Health Effects of Respirable Atmospheric Particles

The adverse health effects of air pollution are being increasingly recognized as major causes of disease. Atmospheric particles, as a major component of air pollution, have been extensively studied in terms of their sources, physicochemical characteristics, transport in the atmosphere, and changes in particulate composition during their time in the atmosphere. The relationships between particles and diseases are complex, so research on the health effects and damage mechanisms of particulate matter (PM) is of significant importance. This study reviews the health effects of PM and provides an overview of the hazards of atmospheric PM to various human organs. In addition, this review explores the mechanisms of damage, summarizes the research methods used to determine the health effects, and discusses the influential health factors caused by PM. In combination with current Chinese and global research, the modern technologies and research trends on the health effects of particles are elucidated.