Abstract: Domestic and foreign studies have shown that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is a major factor affecting human health. In addition to the direct impact on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy can directly affect the growth and development of offspring, manifested as cardiopulmonary dysfunction and cognitive disorder, various adverse pregnancy outcomes, abnormal organ development, and congenital defects. However, the mechanism underlying the developmental toxicity of PM2.5 is still unclear. This article reviews PM2.5-induced developmental toxicity based on epidemiological investigation and toxicological studies, which will provide references for further studies.

Key words: ambient fine particulate matter, pregnancy exposure, toxicological study, epidemiological investigation, developmental toxicity, toxic mechanism