Environment and lung diseases

ABSTRACT

Genetic and environmental risk factors influence the development of respiratory diseases. While cigarette smoking is a personal risk factor, ambient air pollution and chemicals such as asbestos are major environmental risk factors for respiratory diseases. In addition, the growth of children’s lung is also sensitively affected by environmental exposure to pollutants and heavy metals. Many studies have found that certain populations including children, elderly and residents near chemical factories are more susceptible to environmental lung diseases, which indicate the importance and benefits of strategic planning at the national level. Although genetic risk factors may be hard to control, many of the environmental risk factors can be prevented and managed by correct policy-making. Therefore, in-depth researches should be continued, and careful considerations should be given to policy-making in efforts to lower environmental risk factors and make a better environment for the future generation. Environmental exposure leads to epigenetic changes in airway and lung tissues as well as blood cells. Although not yet completely understood, the mechanism involved in such changes can act as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of environmental lung diseases.