Respiratory Disorders

Outdoor and indoor air pollution (see Hazards) can negatively affect the respiratory system in a number of ways, depending on the pollutant, the concentration of the pollutant, the length of exposure, the degree to which exposure includes multiple pollutants, and the susceptibility of the individual.

Air pollution has been linked with sinusitis, sinus headaches, congestion, ear aches, colds and other other respiratory infections, structural damage to the lung and/or airways, asthma, and lung cancer. Ozone, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfuric dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are the air pollutants most commonly linked to respiratory symptoms Source: http://training.seer.cancer.gov in medical studies (Brunekreef, 2002). Reactions to outdoor allergens, such as pollen and mold, are generally worse when air pollution is also present (see Allergies).

Although air pollutants are most generally the pollutants associated with environmentally induced or exacerbated respiratory disease, several other types of exposure have been linked to lung cancer. In particular, water contaminated with arsenic has been correlated with significantly increased rates of lung cancer, even in nonsmokers.

INFLAMMATION
In most instances, these pollutants cause an inflammatory response, causing swelling and mucous secretions.

INFECTIONS
This environment is the perfect breeding ground for viral or bacterial infections which often follow an increase in outdoor pollution levels. Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms include pain or pressure in the facial sinus areas, headache, fever, nasal congestion and discharge, and sore throat. Lower respiratory tract infections are characterized by fever, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and mucus-producing coughs. Respiratory flu, bronchitis and pneumonia are all more common following increases in air pollution levels. Exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke plays a major role in infections, especially among children. According to the American Lung Association, second-hand tobacco smoke causes 300,000 cases of lower respiratory infections in children under the age of 18 months every year.

ASTHMA
Because of the strong link between environmental triggers and asthma, this topic is discussed separately (see Asthma).

ASBESTOSIS and SILICOSIS
These two environmentally induced respiratory diseases are generally associated with workplace exposure (see Workplace Hazards) to asbestos or glass fibers (silica).

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
COPD generally results from cigarette smoking or second-hand exposure to cigarette smoke. People with COPD are particularly susceptible to air pollution.

RESPIRATORY CANCER
By far the greatest cause of lung and other respiratory cancers is cigarette smoking. Laryngeal cancer is elevated in carpenters. See also Cancer.