A comparison of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in vivo exposure studies incorporating chemical analysis

The complex, variable mixtures present in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been well established, and associations between chemical constituents and human health are expanding. In the past decade, there has been an increase in PM2.5 toxicology studies that include chemical analysis of samples. This investigation is a crucial component for identifying the causal constituents for observed adverse health effects following exposure to PM2.5. In this review, investigations of PM2.5 that used both in vivo models were explored and chemical analysis with a focus on respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, reproductive, and developmental toxicity was examined to determine if chemical constituents were considered in the interpretation of the toxicity findings. Comparisons between model systems, PM2.5 characteristics, endpoints, and results were made. A vast majority of studies observed adverse effects in vivo following exposure to PM2.5. While limited, investigations that explored connections between chemical components and measured endpoints noted significant associations between biological measurements and a variety of PM2.5 constituents including elements, ions, and organic/elemental carbon, indicating the need for such analysis. Current limitations in available data, including relatively scarce statistical comparisons between collected toxicity and chemical datasets, are provided. Future progress in this field in combination with epidemiologic research examining chemical composition may support regulatory standards of PM2.5 to protect human health.