Climate change, air quality, and respiratory health: a focus on particle deposition in the lungs

Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2264881. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2264881. Epub 2023 Oct 6.

Abstract

This review article delves into the multifaceted relationship between climate change, air quality, and respiratory health, placing a special focus on the process of particle deposition in the lungs. We discuss the capability of climate change to intensify air pollution and alter particulate matter physicochemical properties such as size, dispersion, and chemical composition. These alterations play a significant role in influencing the deposition of particles in the lungs, leading to consequential respiratory health effects. The review paper provides a broad exploration of climate change's direct and indirect role in modifying particulate air pollution features and its interaction with other air pollutants, which may change the ability of particle deposition in the lungs. In conclusion, climate change may play an important role in regulating particle deposition in the lungs by changing physicochemistry of particulate air pollution, therefore, increasing the risk of respiratory disease development.

Keywords: Air pollution; COPD; asthma; children; extreme weather; secondary organic aerosol.

Plain language summary

Climate change influences particle deposition in the lungs by modifying the physicochemical properties of particulate air pollution, thereby escalating the risk of respiratory disease development.It is crucial for healthcare providers to educate patients about the relationship between climate change and respiratory health.People with conditions such as asthma, COPD, and allergies must understand how changes in weather, air pollution, and allergens can exacerbate their symptoms.Instruction on understanding air quality indices and pollen predictions, along with recommendations on adapting everyday activities and medication regimens in response, is essential.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants* / adverse effects
  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Air Pollution* / adverse effects
  • Air Pollution* / analysis
  • Climate Change
  • Humans
  • Lung

Substances

  • Air Pollutants

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan (109-2314-B-038-093-MY3, 111-2314-B-038-079 and 112-2628-B-038-010-MY3).