Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

We encounter different combinations of chemicals every day, depending on where we live, what we eat, the products we use and the work we do. Scientists suggest the best way to mitigate risks – and it doesn't involve sealing yourself in a bubble.

Vitamin C may offer meaningful protection against the invisible but pervasive threat of fine-particle air pollution. The common antioxidant significantly reduced lung inflammation and cellular damage caused by everyday, low-level exposure to PM2.5.

New research has identified the mechanism by which air pollution damages the lungs’ self-cleaning system, leaving us vulnerable to infection. In doing so, it has also identified a way to reverse that damage and restore lung function.