Exposure to urban particulate matter and its association with human health risks

Human health and environmental risks are increasing following air pollution associated with vehicular and industrial emissions in which particulate matter is a constituent. The purpose of this review was to assess studies on the health effects and mortality induced by particles published for the last 15 years. The literature survey indicated the existence of strong positive associations between fine and ultrafine particles' exposure and cardiovascular, hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer health risks, and mortality. Its exposure is also associated with increased odds of hypertensive and diabetes disorders of pregnancy and premature deaths. The ever increasing hospital admission and mortality due to heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer could be due to long-term exposure to particles in different countries. Therefore, its effect should be communicated for legal and scientific actions to minimize emissions mainly from traffic sources.