Air pollution is associated with significant adverse health effects, including increased morbidity and mortality. The global increase in the prevalence of diseases that are associated with exposure to air pollution is of great concern. In particular, severe PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) pollution occurs in Asian countries due to increasing emissions of air pollutants caused by the countries' rapid economic growth. Many studies have been performed to clarify the association between PM2.5 and disorders such as asthma, ischemic cardiovascular diseases, arteriosclerosis, cancer, neurological disorders, and diabetes mellitus. It is important to protect populations that are susceptible to such pollution. While the characterization and monitoring of pollutant components currently dictates pollution control policies, it will be necessary to identify susceptible populations in order to adequately target prevention strategies for the health effects of air pollution. This review describes the recent advances in our understanding of the health effects of PM2.5 and the role of oxidative stress in these effects, and discusses prevention strategies.
