How Lungs Work Air Quality and Health Mansel Nelson, ITEP 30 minutes

Outline Normal anatomy and function of lungs Natural defenses of airways Common pollutants can injure lungs Common lung diseases Ways to protect lungs Special considerations for young children

Lungs

Lungs (cont.) People breathe a lot, depend on constant gas exchange in lungs Oxygen & carbon-dioxide pass through very thin walls of alveoli But, any gas (poisonous ones, too) can pass through alveoli walls And, very small particles can also pass through alveoli walls Lungs are built for gas exchange. They are very good at it.

Cardiovascular Connection Gases distributed widely after entering bloodstream If lungs aren’t functioning properly, heart must work harder CO causes heart problems Some fumes can make us dizzy People with COPD end up with Congestive heart failure

Defenses of Lungs Air enters body through nose or mouth, which wets and warms air Nose hairs, mucus and saliva filter some particles and germs Air travels down windpipe (trachea) Windpipe splits into two bronchi that enter lungs

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 The lungs cannot defend themselves from poisonous gases or very small particles.

Particles PM10 (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

Poisonous Gases Poisonous gases pass through lungs easily and quickly, directly to bloodstream Common pollutants Ozone Carbon monoxide Pesticides VOCs (gasoline, other) Outside air

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 Children are also vulnerable

Impacts of Air Pollution (cont.) Air pollution has both short- and long-term toxic effects Injure heart and blood vessels Increase hospitalization rates for cardiac illness Can cause death Scientists once thought air pollution primarily affected lungs Also bad for the heart

Common Diseases of the Lungs Asthma Many triggers Inflammation Blocking, narrowing airways, mucus

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 Smoking is the leading cause. “COPD” includes Emphysema and Obstructive Bronchitis

Infections Influenza Pneumonia (bacterial, viral, fungal) Tuberculosis Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Pertussis Diphtheria There are lots of lung infections, here are some examples.

Lung Cancer Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in lungs Smoking Radon ETS Asbestos Occupational exposure Synergistic effects of smoking and other carcinogens

Environmental Impact to Lungs Lungs 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

Protect Your Lungs Control exposure to pollutants and particulates Control humidity in your environment Drink water, eat vegetables and fruits Exercise Good for circulation Opens alveoli Improves lung capacity How do we control pollutants? Stop smoking, ventilate housing, avoid fumes, wear a respirator, don’t hang out with sick people, etc How do we control humidity? Why would washing your hands help your lungs?

Protect Your Lungs (cont.) Wash hands Good oral hygiene Influenza vaccines annually Get regular health care

Young Children Lungs of young children are very sensitive Air pollution can limit breathing capacity for a lifetime Exposure to certain pollutants can cause asthma, which can last a lifetime Lung infections can cause damage which can last a lifetime