Introduction: PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. It is a major component of air pollution and consists of tiny particles or droplets in the air that are so small they can be inhaled into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Environmental Effects: PM2.5 has a range of environmental impacts. It can contribute to reduced visibility, acid rain formation, and can be deposited into bodies of water, affecting aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, PM2.5 particles can settle on the Earth's surface, contributing to soil pollution.
Associated Diseases: Exposure to PM2.5 is a significant public health concern. Inhalation of these tiny particles can lead to a variety of health problems, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Common associated diseases include asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. Long-term exposure can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
Figure 1. Mean PM2.5 composition of John Hopkins lab.
Additional Resources
Environmental Protection Agency: Particulate Matter (PM) PollutionAmerican Lung Association: Particle Pollution
California Air Resources Board: Particulate Matter Factsheet
New York State, Department of Health :Particulate Matter Factsheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Particle Pollution
Table1. Number of differentially expressed gene under PM2.5(JHK) exposure.
| Age | Tissues | Sex | Up-regulated | Down-regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Weeks | Blood | 273 | 29 | |
| 150 | 104 | |||
| Liver | 159 | 204 | ||
| 173 | 99 | |||
| 20 Weeks | Blood | 1653 | 823 | |
| 1226 | 1514 | |||
| Liver | 428 | 204 | ||
| 591 | 682 |
Table2. Number of differentially accessible regions under PM2.5(JHK) exposure.
| Age | Tissues | Sex | DAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Weeks | Liver | 2415 | |
| 1353 | |||
| 20 Weeks | Blood | 751 | |
| 6324 | |||
| Liver | 700 | ||
| 1466 |
Table3. Number of differentially methylated regions under PM2.5(JHK) exposure.
| Age | Tissues | Sex | Hypomethylated | Hypermethylated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Weeks | Blood | 739 | 371 | |
| 639 | 265 | |||
| Hypothalamus | 840 | 237 | ||
| 126 | 412 | |||
| Liver | 3513 | 102 | ||
| 2060 | 265 |