Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Air Pollution: A Review

Abstract

: Air pollution exposure is one of the main risk factors for respiratory system diseases, including airway diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Few studies have been done concerning Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and its relationship with air pollution. Particulate Matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Heavy Metals (HM) are the most important air pollutants found to exert harmful effects on the human and environment. This review aimed to study the health effects of air pollution on respiratory systems, especially COPD. A narrative review of the literature was done from 1978 to 2020 in various databases, including Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, NCBI, and BMJ. The results indicated that air pollution exposure could increase respiratory diseases, especially COPD. According to the results, COPD is caused by poor airflow and long-term breathing problems due to disrupted lung tissue. Based on the results, hazardous air pollutants induce destructive effects on the lung and result in COPD. Thus, COPD is a critical public health issue in Iran and the world. To decrease the rate of COPD attributed to air pollutants, we should use policies to decrease pollutant emissions.

Health risk assessment for consuming rice, bread, and vegetables in Hoveyzeh city

“…Based on this data, the concentrations of As in five various kinds of rice that are consumed are higher than the accepted limit set by the National Standard Council of Iran, which is 0.15 mg/kg [24] . Skin, pulmonary, urinary system, and bladder cancer risk have been increased by even minute levels (0.05 mg/kg) of As exposure from eating food or exposure to the skin [25] , [26] . The increased concentrations of As in rice may have been due to the usage of irrigating crops with water originating from wells [27] .…”

Toxic Air Pollutants and Their Effect on Multiple Sclerosis: A Review Study

“…Air pollution results in several major causes of death in the world including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases (COPD, bronchitis and asthma) ( 60 , 61 ). Air pollution in various ways can have long-term and short-term harmful effects on human health ( 62 ).…”