Minerals in atmospheric dusts are mainly derived from soils, building dusts and rising dusts in some areas. The particles are characterized by small sizes, irregular shapes and surface unevenness. Mineral particles show strong biological activity, and exert a special physiological action to human health and biological effect. Surface activity groups of dusts affect their biological effects. Surface properties, free radicals released by mineral dusts or stimulated phagocyte play important roles in causing cell injury and pneumoconiosis. Atmosphere dust components, surface properties and the inhibition and toxic effects of mineral dusts on normal flora in human bodies are all important research aspects in the environmental health effects of mineral dusts.