Abstract
<jats:p>One of the current issues of atmospheric pollution is particulate matter (PM). PM can be of both natural and anthropogenic origin. This review summarizes the current concepts of PM, as well as approaches to their classification and toxicological properties. The most significant and dangerous for the environment are particles with aerodynamic sizes of 2.5 and 10 micrometers (PM2.5 and PM10). The main sources of PM include construction, mining, fuel and energy enterprises, as well as road transport. The article provides a comparative analysis of the current environmental standards for PM2.5-10 in Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, the EU, China, and the USA. In the EU, China, and the USA, there are no single maximum permissible concentration (MPC) limits for PM2.5, as is the case in the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. However, the EU and USA have stricter average daily and annual MPC limits for PM2.5-10. Analysis of data on the continuous exposure to PM2.5-10 in the EU, China, and the USA has allowed us to identify the main risk groups associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as mortality. The complexity in assessing the toxic effects of PM2.5-10 stems from the significant variability and instability in their chemical composition, morphology, and dispersion properties. The main strategy for managing risks and improving public health outcomes is to reduce levels of PM2.5-10 pollution. In Kazakhstan, government measures to monitor and control the concentration of PM aim to reduce air pollution, but they have not been sufficiently effective in addressing public health risks.</jats:p>