Atmospheric particulate matters in nine size fractions were sampled at Huangshi city, Hubei province. Elemental concentrations occurred unimodal size distribution for Zn, Pb and Ni, dimodal distribution for Ca, S, Fe and Ti, and trimodal distribution for Cl, K, Mn, Cu and Cr. Enrichment factor and principal component analysis identified the main sources from crustal material, biomass burning, waste incineration, vehicular and industrial emission. As for the non-carcinogenic health risk through inhalation, there were certain potential risks for Mn and Sb for children, and Pb for children and adults in PM_2.5. It showed certain potential risks for Mn, Sb and Pb for children and adults in PM₁₀. As for the carcinogenic health risk through inhalation, Cr in PM_2.5 and Ni, Co and Cr in PM₁₀ indicated unacceptable risk for children and adults. Meanwhile, Co and Ni in PM_2.5 represented acceptable risk for children.