‘Smoging kills’ – Effects of air pollution on human respiratory system

Abstract

Atmospheric pollution suspended in humid air is popularly known as 'smog'. It is composed of dust particles of different sizes, as well as non-metal oxides, organic compounds, and heavy metals. Exposure to harmful substances suspended in the air -apart from, for example -smoking cigarettes, one of the modifiable factors leading to the development of respiratory diseases. There are six types of substances present in the air that have a negative impact on public health and result in significant consequences: ozone, particulate matter (PM) of different diameters -PM2.5µ, PM2.5-10 µ, PM10 µ, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead. Particular attention is given to small dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5) because they can penetrate into the lower respiratory tract. Apart from describing the composition of smog and sources of air pollution, the article also discusses the impact of atmospheric pollutants on both development and aggravation of the symptoms of such respiratory tract diseases as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections and lung cancer. Some of legal measures applied in different countries aimed at reducing exposure to noxious air pollutants are reviewed. The authors believe that the increased focus on risks arising from inhaling toxic air pollution may be a first step for developing systemic solutions aimed at resolving or, at least, decreasing those risks.

Lentinan Attenuated the PM2.5 Exposure-Induced Inflammatory Response, Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Migration by Inhibiting the PVT1/miR-199a-5p/caveolin1 Pathway in Lung Cancer

“…PM2.5, defined as particulate matter £2.5 mm in diameter, exerts important impacts on the respiratory system, including lung infection, abnormal lung function, and lung cancer (Li et al, 2018a). PM2.5 affects several cellular processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis, immune response, and epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) (Grzywa-Celinska et al, 2020). However, the role and underlying mechanism of PM2.5 in the physiological and pathological progression of lung cancer remain largely unknown.…”

Epidemiological evidence relating risk factors to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Air pollution suspended in moist air is usually called “smoke,” which comprises dust particles of different sizes, non-metal oxides, organic compounds, and heavy metals [ 44 ]. Harmful substances in smoke can cause bronchospasms that increase airway resistance.…”

Ambient air pollution and emergency department visits in Toronto, Canada

“…There is a rich literary body on the relationship between short-term changes in air pollution concentration levels and health problems. The majority of the conducted and published studies are focused on respiratory health problems and their various categories, such as acute respiratory tract infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Grzywa-Celinska et al 2020 ; Szyszkowicz and Kousha 2014 ). There are likewise many studies related to cardiac conditions; however in general, these investigations focus on specific cardiac pathologies (Stieb et al 2009 ).…”