Chronic environmental exposure can lead to significant alterations in cellular structures. For instance, exposure to airborne pollutants like particulate matter can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory tract. Histological analysis often reveals changes such as hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and metaplasia in the epithelial cells lining the airways. Additionally, chronic exposure to substances like asbestos can result in fibrotic changes in lung tissue, which can be identified through staining techniques.
