(Please Don't) Take My Breath Away

Image of Cilia

The ease of breathing is something that most humans take for granted. The lungs consist of a complex system of spongy tissue, tubes, capillaries and alveoli. The lungs allow for diffusion of air into the bloodstream, so as you can imagine, when the lungs suffer any level of damage the body can really suffer. Air (as well as potential toxins) enter the body from the nasopharynx, through the trachea, to the bronchi, to the lungs. Within the lungs there are loads of capillaries and alveoli for air diffusion and cilia to keep out harmful toxins.

The cilia of the lungs create a mucus layer which transport dust and other particles along the outer part of the lung to prevent it from entering. In a healthy respiratory system, the properly functioning mucociliary elevator captures the things that do not belong within the lungs and helps them to exit the body.

Lung Damaged By Cigarette Smoke

NIOSH Microscopic Image of Silica Dust

There are a variety of chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled. They vary in size as well as potency. The smallest particles are gases. Many gases can be toxic when inhaled while others are harmless. Gases are often used in warfare, and people can come into contact with them in various jobs such as mining, or while working with toxic chemicals. Vapors and mists can also cause harm when inhaled. Dust is infamous for causing allergy flare ups and being very harmful for people with asthma, but it is actually something that is supposed to be monitored closely in the workplace. In high levels it can be pretty unhealthy. Construction workers are often exposed to silica dust, which causes permanent damage to the lungs. Smoke is also toxic when inhaled in excess.

There are two types of lung impairment that can occur when airborne hazards are inhaled. One type is restrictive. Restrictive lung impairment causes the volume of oxygen within the lung to decrease. This occurs when nasty particles are inhaled, such as black mold. Another type of lung impairment is obstructive impairment. This occurs in people with asthma or COPD and happens when the bronchiole is inflamed. COPD can occur when one is exposed long term to industrial dusts in the workplace.