What Are the Long-term Histological Changes Due to Air Pollution?
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to chronic histological changes, including fibrosis, which is the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components like collagen, leading to stiffening of the tissues. In the lungs, this can manifest as interstitial fibrosis, while in the cardiovascular system, it can result in chronic inflammatory changes within the vessel walls. These changes can compromise tissue function and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.