The respiratory health effects of geogenic (earth derived) PM10

Inhalation of particulate matter less than 10 mm in diameter (PM₁₀) has a range of implications for respiratory health. In order to mitigate these effects regulatory bodies have set ambient air quality guidelines based on the known dose–response relationships between PM₁₀ exposure and health outcomes. However, these data are based almost entirely on PM₁₀ from urban regions, which are typically dominated by particulates from combustion sources. In contrast, there are limited data on the respiratory health effects of particles from nonurban regions that often contain a high geogenic (earth derived) component. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing evidence for the respiratory health effects of inhalation of geogenic PM₁₀. We outline the impact of physicochemical properties on the lung response, with a view to identifying gaps in the field.