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Particulate matter (PM) is both a major driver of climate change and a source of toxicity for health. In the upper atmosphere, particulate matter modifies the earth radiation budget, cloud formation and acts as a reaction center for air pollutants. In the lower atmosphere, particulate matter changes atmospheric visibility and alters biogeochemical cycles and meteorology. Most critical effects are observed in ambient air, where particulate matter degrades human health. Here we review the sources, spatial and temporal variability, and toxicity of PM₁₀, the particulate matter having particle sizes 10 micrometers or less in diameter, in world regions. For that we analyzed information from the world wide web and databases from government organizations after the year 2000. Findings show that PM₁₀ is a major risk in both developed and developing countries. This risk is more severe in Asian countries compared to …