The Impact of Ambient Environmental and Occupational Pollution on Respiratory Diseases

Ambient pollutants and occupational pollutants may cause and exacerbate various lung and respiratory diseases. This review describes lung and respiratory diseases in relation to ambient pollutants, particularly particulate matter (PM2.5), and occupational air pollutants, excluding communicable diseases and indoor pollutants, including tobacco smoke exposure. PM2.5 produced by combustion is an important ambient pollutant. PM2.5 can cause asthma attacks and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the short term. Further, it not only carries a risk of lung cancer and death, but also hinders the development of lung function in children in the long term. It has recently been suggested that air pollution, such as PM2.5, is a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Asbestos, which causes asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma, and crystalline silica, which cause silicosis, are well-known traditional occupational pollutants leading to pneumoconiosis. While work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common occupational lung disease in recent years, many different agents cause WRA, including natural and synthetic chemicals and irritant gases. Primary preventive interventions that increase awareness of pollutants and reduce the development and exacerbation of diseases caused by air pollutants are paramount to addressing ambient and occupational pollution.

Automated summary

Both ambient pollutants and occupational pollutants can cause and worsen lung and respiratory diseases. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is an important ambient pollutant, which can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the short term, as well as increase the risk of lung cancer and mortality in the long term. Asbestos and crystalline silica are well-known traditional occupational pollutants leading to pneumoconiosis. Work-related asthma (WRA) has become the most common occupational lung disease in recent years, caused by various agents including natural and synthetic chemicals and irritant gases. Primary preventive interventions that raise awareness of pollutants and reduce the development and exacerbation of diseases caused by air pollutants are crucial in addressing both ambient and occupational pollution.