Carbon loading of alveolar macrophages in adults and children exposed to biomass smoke particles

Household air pollution: a call for studies into biomarkers of exposure and predictors of respiratory disease

“…Such measurements assess PM 2.5 exposure, are increased with biomass exposure (20), and correlate inversely with lung function test results, but they require technical skill and resources that may be beyond the capabilities of many institutions in LMIC. Similarly, effects at the level of the immune system such as alveolar macrophage dysfunction are measurable but invasive and technologically demanding.…”

Paediatrics in Vienna

“…Carbon content in sputum macrophages has been used as a marker for individual exposure to biomass smoke. Carbonaceous particulate matter may also affect lung function in children [133,134]. In a study including flexible bronchoscopy, SNIJDERS et al [135] reported on black carbon, the major component of inhalable particulate matter, in airway macrophages sampled by bronchoalveolar lavage from children with chronic lower airway diseases, such as recurrent lower airways infections and asthma.…”

Airway macrophage carbon: biomarker of exposure to particulate matter air pollution

“…In our first study, we assessed carbon content in sputum macrophages from adult females and children exposed to biomass smoke [1]. As this study was conducted in a town (Gondar) where expensive equipment was not available, we first developed a simplified method to process the sputum sample.…”

“…This widespread exposure to PM from biomass smoke is estimated to cause two million excess deaths per year, a major proportion of these being in young children. It increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, otitis media and tuberculosis in children, and also chronic obstructive lung disease in adults.In our first study, we assessed carbon content in sputum macrophages from adult females and children exposed to biomass smoke [1]. As this study was conducted in a town (Gondar) where expensive equipment was not available, we first developed a simplified method to process the sputum sample.…”