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In recent years there has been a major concern about air pollution problems caused by human activities, especially associated with the release of polluting compounds in concentrations that can cause environmental damage and health risks. This article aims to present a review of the main inorganic components present in the inhalable fraction of atmospheric particulate matter. In this context, metals and other constituent ions in those fractions may act in the respiratory tract, promoting an increase of carcinogenic and / or respiratory diseases. It is concluded that, despite the growth in quantification and qualification studies the chemical composition of pollutants as well as the evidence of the effects of those components to health quality, several studies are necessary to characterize the particulate's quality of matter in a particular region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]