Abstract
Some of the environmental toxicants from air pollution include particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and ultrafine particles (UFP). Both short- and long-term exposure could result in various degrees of respiratory health outcomes among exposed persons, which rely on the individuals' health status. Methods. In this paper, we highlight a review of the studies that have used biomarkers to understand the association between air particles exposure and the development of respiratory problems resulting from the damage in the respiratory system. Data from previous epidemiological studies relevant to the application of biomarkers in respiratory system damage reported from exposure to air particles are also summarized. Results. Based on these analyses, the findings agree with the hypothesis that biomarkers are relevant in linking harmful air particles concentrations to increased respiratory health effects. Biomarkers are used in epidemiological studies to provide an understanding of the mechanisms that follow airborne particles exposure in the airway. However, application of biomarkers in epidemiological studies of health effects caused by air particles in both environmental and occupational health is inchoate. Conclusion. Biomarkers unravel the complexity of the connection between exposure to air particles and respiratory health.
Highlights
Air pollution is a major threat associated with the environment around the world because everyone needs to breathe to survive
This review was done to strengthen the view that biomarker is relevant to be used in understanding the health effects of respiratory system caused by exposure to air particles
The selection of published journals to be reviewed was made based on the following criteria: (i) ambient or personal exposure to any of the air particles (PM10, PM2.5, or Ultrafine particle (UFP)); (ii) using biomarkers to diagnose the air particles exposure; (iii) health outcomes related to respiratory health; (iv) studies done to determine the association between exposure to outdoor or indoor air particles (PM10, PM2.5, and UFP) and respiratory health effects; (v) journals published in English from 2003 to 2014
Summary
Air pollution is a major threat associated with the environment around the world because everyone needs to breathe to survive. Depending on the size of the particles, some of the particles could deposit anywhere along the respiratory tract or, worse, penetrate deep into the gas exchange region [1]. PM2.5 is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less; these particles are more likely able to reach the deeper parts of the respiratory tract. It is known as the fine fraction. It can enter the respiratory tract and penetrate deep into the lung because of its fine size [2]. When it is compared with larger particles on a mass basis, UFP has a higher predicted pulmonary deposition, greater potential to induce pulmonary inflammation, larger surface area, and enhanced oxidant capacity [3]
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