The nose versus the environment: 1982 and today.
A brief overview of recent publications dealing with the effects of environmental pollutants on upper respiratory tract mucosa is presented. It mainly focuses on airborne irritants, substances inducing epithelial hyperplasia, metaplasia, and epithelial damage, and on inflammatory changes of nasal mucosa associated with environmental pollutants. Data from epidemiologic surveys, human exposure studies, animal experiments, and in vitro studies have improved present concepts of the significance of environmental pollutants for upper respiratory diseases. Although various national and international initiatives have resulted in a considerable reduction of indoor and outdoor pollutants within recent years, environmental pollutants continue to affect upper respiratory tract health of the population in urban areas and industrialized regions. Continuing efforts to reduce emissions of air pollutants are indispensable.
Riechelmann
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Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm Medical School, Germany.
D000818:Animals; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000209:etiology
D004785:Environmental Pollutants