Abstract: This article systematically reviews the research progress in the concentration spectrum, spatio-temporal distribution, and health risks of 14 heavy metals (metalloids) in atmospheric PM_2.5 in tropical regions around the world from 2014 to 2024. The results showed that the concentrations of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) in atmospheric PM_2.5 among countries in tropical regions were both high and followed the trend of countries with mid-high income < countries with high income < countries with mid-low income. Other heavy metals (metalloids) also had certain regional composite pollution differences. Specifically, the pollution was dominated by barium (Ba), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in the countries with mid-low income, Zn, Mn, and copper (Cu) in the countries with mid-high income, and Zn, Mn, and lead (Pb) in the countries with high income. The hazard quotients (HQ) of non-carcinogenic risk of 14 heavy metals (metalloids) were low (HQ < 1). The carcinogenic risk (CR) of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and cobalt (Co) was high. Specifically, the CR of Cr and Co in the countries with mid-low income, Cr and As in the countries with mid-high income, and Cr in the countries with high income was high (CR > 1 × 10⁻⁶). This review can provide scientific references for tropical countries and regions in formulating differentiated environmental standards and health protection strategies.