How Does Air Pollution Affect Respiratory Tissues?
Air pollution primarily affects the respiratory system, where pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) can cause significant tissue damage. Histologically, exposure to these pollutants can lead to inflammation, characterized by an influx of immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils into the lung tissue. Chronic exposure can result in structural changes, such as thickening of the airway walls, fibrosis, and even the development of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
