The Effect of Particulate Matter and Climate Change, and the Corresponding Health Management

Dear Colleagues,

Particulate matter is tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, originating from both natural processes (e.g., volcanic eruptions, dust storms) and human activities (e.g., the burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions). Particulate matter not only affects air quality, but is also closely related to climate change and human health. Particles affect the Earth's energy balance by absorbing and scattering solar radiation. Particles such as black carbon absorb sunlight, causing the atmosphere to warm, while particles such as sulfates reflect sunlight, producing a cooling effect. Particles act as cloud condensation nuclei, changing cloud formation and properties, affecting precipitation patterns and climate systems.

Climate change and poor air quality are two causes of the global disease burden. Considerable evidence has consistently indicated that exposure to air pollution contributes to increased risks of diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Furthermore, climate change will directly affect human health through extreme weather events. Clarifying the impact of pollution and climate change on health is one of the leading concerns in the field of environmental health, and there is a practical significance for putting forward the corresponding health management countermeasures.

Therefore, we welcome submissions on a wide range of topics, including, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• The impact of air pollution on human health;
• The impact of climate change on human health;
• The health management countermeasures related to the impact of air pollution on human health;
• The health management countermeasures related to the impact of climate change on human health.

Dr. Yichen Wang
Dr. Jing Li
Topic Editors