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5- The Human Respiratory System and the Structure of the Human Lung
Page 2-3 .
1- Air pollution occurs when air contains pollutants and it is the result of human action.
2- Pollutants damage the respiratory system and causes breathing problems.
3- Tar, nicotine and haze are example of air pollutants.
4- Sources and effects of air pollution which are harmful to the respiratory system:
Pollutant, Harmful
Source Effect
Substance
- Cigarette
smoke
- Burning of Nicotine is the drug that causes bronchitis and addiction to cigarette smoking.
Smoke
Tar contains carcinogens (substances that cause cancer) that damages liver, lung
waste (Tar and Nicotine),
cancer and causing the smoker`s cough.
- Forest fires Soot, Smog
Damages the respiratory system and causes breathing problems
- Exhaust smoke
from vehicles
Lung cancer
Carcinogens Damages liver
Causes the growth of cancerous cells in the body
- Cigarette
Irritates the respiratory tract
smoke
Irritates and Kills cells of the air passage
Chemical Causing the smoker`s cough
Causes emphysema.
- Quarries Damages the lungs
- Exhaust fumes May cause lung cancer
Dust, Haze,
- Gases from Causes breathing problems
Carbon Monoxide
factories Prevent red blood cells from combining with transporting oxygen and
- Cement, timber haemoglobin.
and asbestos Sulphur dioxide, Sulphur dioxide can cause bronchitis and damage cells in the lung.
factories Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen dioxide can cause permanent damage to the lungs.
- Spraying
D.D.T. to kill
Chemicals such as Damages the liver
mosquitoes
pesticides D.D.T Causes death if a large quantity is inhaled
- Agricultural
activities
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The Diseases that affect the respiratory system
1- Asthma is caused by the narrowing of the fine airways (bronchi and bronchioles) due to the contraction of muscles in their
walls. This is perhaps because of sensitivity to air pollutants including smoke. A patient will find it difficult to breathe, wheezing
and feeling tightness in the chest.
2- Bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of the lining of the bronchioles. This may be due to infection by bacteria or viruses or
chemicals such as those found in tobacco smoke. 'Smoker's cough' is an early sign of chronic bronchitis. In several cases, the
patient may turn blue which is especially noticeable at the lips and fingers due to poor oxygenation of blood.
3- Lung Cancer is cause by change in the cells inside the lung such that they divide out of control and produce lumps of cells
(tumours) which interfere with the normal functions of the lungs. This disease may not have any symptoms. When it is detected,
the cancer cells may have spread from the lung to other organs.
4- Emphysema is a condition in which the structure of the alveoli is broken down by coughing. This reduces the surface area for
gas exchange. The patient cannot take in enough oxygen and become very short of breath.
5- Heart disease caused by nicotine that raises the blood pressure and increases the level of 'bad' cholesterol in the blood. This
makes a smoker more likely to suffer from a stroke or a heart attack.
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Indoor Outdoor
Avoid smoking indoors. Avoid open burning leaves and rubbish.
Make sure there is a steady supply of fresh air. Fit a catalytic converter to the exhaust pipe.
Minimise the use of air conditioning. Encourage the use of liquid petroleum gas and
unleaded petrol.
Keep clothes, carpets bed and floor dust-free. Treat waste gases from factories
(no dust)
Maintain a low humidity to prevent mould Implement laws and regulations to control air
growth. pollution.
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