ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS OF DUST AND PARTICULATE MATTER AIR POLLUTION ON THE HUMAN BODY: MECHANISMS, EVIDENCE, AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSES

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.

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