A Unified Cellular Toxic Potency Dataset of PM_2.5 across Chemicals, Emission Sources, and Regions in China

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a leading global health risk factor. Effective mitigation demands a multidimensional understanding that integrates chemical, source and region-level differences in PM_2.5 toxicities relevant to human health. We present a standardized in vitro cellular assay dataset characterizing PM_2.5 toxic potencies across emission sources, chemical constituents and atmospheric environments. Real-world PM_2.5 samples from 23 major anthropogenic sources, covering industrial, transportation and residential sectors, were evaluated for cytotoxicity and oxidative stress potency, identifying key sources driving PM_2.5-induced health risks. Toxic potency-adjusted concentrations of bioactive PM_2.5 components, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, elemental carbon, metals, and non-metal species, were quantified to attribute overall PM_2.5 toxicity to specific chemicals. Furthermore, the toxic potencies of ambient PM_2.5 collected from selected urban and rural areas in China were identified, enabling the development of evaluation metrics for quantifying regional inequalities in PM_2.5 health risks. This dataset establishes a universal toxicity benchmark for standardized comparisons of PM_2.5 health impacts, providing a valuable resource for exposure assessment, source prioritization, and air quality risk evaluation.