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

2. 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

3. Lungs

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

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

16. 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

17. 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?

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

19. 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