Role of air pollutants mediated oxidative stress in respiratory diseases.

Airborne particulate (PM) components from fossil fuel combustion can induce oxidative stress initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are strongly correlated with airway inflammation and asthma. A valid biomarker of airway inflammation is fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). The oxidative potential of PM2.5 can be evaluated with the dithiothreitol (DTT) dosage, which represents both ROS chemically produced and intracellular ROS of macrophages. This correlates with quality indicators of the internal environment and ventilation strategies such as dilution and removal of airborne contaminants.