Ubiquitous monitoring of the environment and menopause

Air quality plays a vital role in health. Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mixture mostly of solid particles but also of liquid droplets suspended in the air, commonly originating from traffic emissions, industrial processes, and natural household sources such as dust [1]. PM is classified by size: ≤PM2.5 denotes fine/micro-particles and PM2.5 to PM10 denotes coarse/macro-particles, the numbers relating to the diameter (width) of particles, i.e., 2.5 micrometres (μm) and 10 μm, respectively. Of notable concern, PM2.5 are small enough to be inhaled and enter the bloodstream [2]. Generally, exposure to PM has been linked to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress [1]. These biological effects can interact with hormonal changes, making women undergoing the menopause particularly vulnerable.