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Mansel Nelson, ITEP

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OutlineNormal anatomy and function of lungs

Natural defenses of airwaysCommon pollutants can injure lungs

Common lung diseasesSpecial considerations for young children

Ways to protect lungs

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Lungs

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Lungs (cont.)People breathe a lot, depend on constant

gas exchange in lungsOxygen & carbon-dioxide pass through

very thin walls of alveoliBut, any gas (poisonous ones, too) can

pass through alveoli wallsAnd, very small particles can also pass

through alveoli walls

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Cardiovascular ConnectionGases distributed widely

after entering bloodstream

If lungs aren’t functioning properly, heart must work harder

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Defenses of LungsAir enters body through nose or

mouth, which wets and warms air Nose hairs, mucus and saliva filter

some particles and germsAir travels down windpipe

(trachea) Windpipe splits into two bronchi

that enter lungs

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Defenses (cont.)Airways have special

hairs called cilia, coated with sticky mucus

Cilia trap germs and other foreign particles

Cilia sweep particles up to nose or mouth

Particles are swallowed, coughed, or sneezed out

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ParticlesPM10 (10 microns and smaller)

Inhaled into lungs

Accumulate in respiratory system

PM2.5 (2.5 microns and smaller)Fine particles

Can lodge deep in lungs

Pose greatest health risks

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Poisonous GasesPoisonous gases pass through lungs easily

and quickly, directly to bloodstreamCommon pollutants

OzoneCarbon monoxidePesticidesVOCs (gasoline, other)

Outside air

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Impacts of Air Pollution

Increased levels of air pollution Emergency hospital admissions for heart

attack, chest pain, congestive heart failure Potential death from heart disease,

arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiac arrest (includes exposure to ETS)

Elderly, patients with heart disease or diabetes particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular effects of air pollution

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Impacts of Air Pollution (cont.)Air pollution has both short- and long-term

toxic effectsInjure heart and blood vesselsIncrease hospitalization rates for cardiac

illnessCan cause death

Scientists once thought air pollution primarily affected lungsAlso bad for the heart

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Common Diseases of the LungsAsthma

Many triggersInflammationBlocking, narrowing airways, mucus

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic breathing difficulties

Airways and air sacs lose elastic quality

Walls between air sacs destroyed

Airways become thick and inflamed

Airways make more mucus

Air pollutants damage airways and air sacs

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InfectionsInfluenzaPneumonia (bacterial, viral, fungal)TuberculosisRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)Pertussis Diphtheria

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Lung CancerUncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in lungsSmokingRadonETSAsbestosOccupational exposure

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Keeping Lungs HealthyControl exposure to pollutants and particulatesControl humidity in your environmentDrink water, eat vegetables and fruitsExercise

Good for circulationOpens alveoliImproves lung capacity

Wash hands

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Protect the Lungs of Young ChildrenLungs of young children very

sensitiveAir pollution can limit breathing

capacity for a lifetimeExposure to certain pollutants can

cause asthma, which can last a lifetime

Lung infections can cause damage which can last a lifetime

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Environmental Impact to LungsLungs are our most intimate connection

with the outside environment Anything you breathe can affect your

lungs Germs, tobacco smoke, and other

harmful substances can cause damage to your airways

Once airways are damaged your natural defenses are weakened

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Protecting Your LungsDon’t smoke

Causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lung

Avoid exposure to pollutantsAvoid secondhand smoke, outdoor air pollution, chemicals in the home and workplace, and radon

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Protecting Your Lungs (cont.)Prevent infections (wash hands)

Good oral hygieneInfluenza vaccines annuallyGet regular health care