How Do Lungs Detoxify Pollutants?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that respiratory illnesses have increased in recent years, due primarily to the pollutants in the air we breathe. Fortunately, our lungs can protect us from some pollutants by detoxifying them.
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Identification
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The respiratory system consists of the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe and lungs. The lungs are vital organs that absorb oxygen and filter out carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals we breathe.
Cilia
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The cilia are hairlike cells that protrude from the walls of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles that sweep out solid particle pollutants. However, these cilia can be damaged by exposure to airborne carcinogens like cigarette smoke.
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Harmful Effects of Pollutants
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Air pollution can severely damage the lung's ability to process oxygen, leading to respiratory diseases like emphysema, bronchitis and cancer.
Mucus
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Mucus is a respiratory secretion that contains antiseptic enzymes. Mucus keeps air passages clear of dust, bacteria and harmful pollutants in the trachea and bronchial tubes.
Coughing and Sneezing
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The body's first line of defense against airborne pollutants is the cough or sneeze. By coughing or sneezing, pollutants are forcefully removed from the lung, to be expelled by the mouth or swallowed for digestion.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ewen Roberts
