**6. Soil-related respiratory defects**

Soil is a complex system of air, water, minerals, natural matter and biota that covers the terrestrial earth in layers over the underlying bedrock. Endogenous segments of soil incorporate minerogenic colloidal clay and trace elements, biogenic organic materials, and biota, any of which might be advantageous, impeding or harmful, contingent upon their relative concentrations and the exposure pathway. Soils are also significant source of supplements, and they go about as common channels to expel contaminants from water [11]. Notwithstanding, soils may contain heavy metals, chemicals, or pathogens that can adversely affect human wellbeing. As soil is persistently being made airborne and afterward dispersed through the air by the global components of climate and weather. Soil, in dust forms, can sometime be dispersed to great distances therefore, increasing the exposure levels of humans to soil particles throughout their evolutionary history, from both local and regional sources and potentially from almost anywhere on the planet [12].

The NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also reported that airborne residue is the main source of environmental agents that encourage human allergic disorders [13]. The basis of reactions of the human immune system to airborne dusts has created an outcome of long term exposures, on a developmental

**59**

**Figure 1.**

*The human respiratory tract (source: Pinterest.com).*

*Environmental Media and Associated Respiratory Defects*

time scale to minerogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic parts that are pervasive segments of the natural history of people. The manner in which the respiratory system reacts to inhaled particles depends on where the molecule settles. For instance, irritant dust that settles in the nose may prompt rhinitis, an irritation of the mucous layer. Peradventure the molecules attacks the larger airways, irritation of the trachea

The most prominent responses of the lung happen in the core of the organ. Particles that avoid being eliminated in the nose or throat in turn settles in the sacs or near the distal part of the airways. Be that as it may, if the dust quantity is enormous, the macrophage system can fail. Dust particles and residue containing macrophages accumulate in the lung tissues, causing damage to the lungs. The amount of dust and the types of particles involved is proportional to how severe the lung damage will be. For instance, after the macrophages swallow silica particles, they undergo apoptosis and emit harmful substances. These substances cause sinewy or scar tissue to form. This tissue is simply the body's typical means of fixing itself. However, on account of crystalline silica so much stringy tissue and scarring structures accumulate so much that the lung capacity can be debilitated. The general name for this condition for sinewy tissue arrangement and scarring is fibrosis. The particles which cause fibrosis or scarring are called fibrogenic. At the point when fibrosis is brought about by crystalline silica, the condition is called silicosis. Once deposited in the pulmonary alveoli, these quartz-based minerogenic silica particles start a fibrotic wound reaction that can in the long run lead to silicosis, a debilitating pneumonic condition. Extreme silicosis can additionally harm the immune system by impeding the ability of macrophages in the lungs to distort the growth of pathogenic organisms found in airborne dust, prompting a variety of

An inherited hypersensitivity of the immune system to react to a specific ubiquitous airborne antigen or the presentation to a new aerosoled soil material

(tracheitis) or the bronchi (bronchitis) might be seen (**Figure 1**).

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91389*

bacterial infections [14].

### *Environmental Media and Associated Respiratory Defects DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91389*

*Respiratory Physiology*

cancer [9].

might lead to a loss of elasticity of the lungs.

**5. Occupational respiratory disorders**

**6. Soil-related respiratory defects**

immunological response. It is characterized by narrowing of the airways. In larger airways, the inflammatory response is referred to as chronic bronchitis. It leads to tissue damage or emphysema in the tiny air cells at the end of the lung's smallest passageways [9]. Emphysema is a chronic disease that causes reduction of the respiratory surface due to the damage to the lung alveolar walls. It is caused mainly by cigarette smoking, dust, chemicals and exposure to passive cigarette smoking. The main symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath and cough. Emphysema

Lung cancer in the U.S, the main cancer killer in both men and women is lung cancer, is frequently (and precisely) related with smoking tobacco. While that is valid, there are also other risk factors associated with lung cancer, along with air pollution. Particulate issue and ozone are also implicated in mortality due to lung

Occupational respiratory disorders are defined as any disorder which affects the respiratory system by long-term inhalation of chemicals, proteins, and dust. Occupational respiratory disorders might happen due to the inhalation of the following substances fumes from metals, smoke from burning organic materials, sprays of varnishes, paint, acids, and pesticides, dust from cotton, silica, coal, drug powders and pesticides and gases from industries. The type of occupational respiratory disorder depends on the environment to which the person is exposed: people, particularly those with other lung disorders, are at risk when they are exposed to air pollution in the environment or to contaminants in indoor environments. Some many more people are at risk of occupational asthma as a result of exposure in the workplace. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, and asbestosrelated pleural disease. People who work with beryllium, such as aerospace workers, are at risk of beryllium disease. Byssinosis is prevalent among people who work with cotton, flax, or hemp. Coal workers and graphite workers are at risk of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Prolonged exposure to silica would result in silicosis [5].

Soil is a complex system of air, water, minerals, natural matter and biota that covers the terrestrial earth in layers over the underlying bedrock. Endogenous segments of soil incorporate minerogenic colloidal clay and trace elements, biogenic organic materials, and biota, any of which might be advantageous, impeding or harmful, contingent upon their relative concentrations and the exposure pathway. Soils are also significant source of supplements, and they go about as common channels to expel contaminants from water [11]. Notwithstanding, soils may contain heavy metals, chemicals, or pathogens that can adversely affect human wellbeing. As soil is persistently being made airborne and afterward dispersed through the air by the global components of climate and weather. Soil, in dust forms, can sometime be dispersed to great distances therefore, increasing the exposure levels of humans to soil particles throughout their evolutionary history, from both local and regional

The NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also reported that airborne residue is the main source of environmental agents that encourage human allergic disorders [13]. The basis of reactions of the human immune system to airborne dusts has created an outcome of long term exposures, on a developmental

sources and potentially from almost anywhere on the planet [12].

**58**

time scale to minerogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic parts that are pervasive segments of the natural history of people. The manner in which the respiratory system reacts to inhaled particles depends on where the molecule settles. For instance, irritant dust that settles in the nose may prompt rhinitis, an irritation of the mucous layer. Peradventure the molecules attacks the larger airways, irritation of the trachea (tracheitis) or the bronchi (bronchitis) might be seen (**Figure 1**).

The most prominent responses of the lung happen in the core of the organ. Particles that avoid being eliminated in the nose or throat in turn settles in the sacs or near the distal part of the airways. Be that as it may, if the dust quantity is enormous, the macrophage system can fail. Dust particles and residue containing macrophages accumulate in the lung tissues, causing damage to the lungs. The amount of dust and the types of particles involved is proportional to how severe the lung damage will be. For instance, after the macrophages swallow silica particles, they undergo apoptosis and emit harmful substances. These substances cause sinewy or scar tissue to form. This tissue is simply the body's typical means of fixing itself. However, on account of crystalline silica so much stringy tissue and scarring structures accumulate so much that the lung capacity can be debilitated. The general name for this condition for sinewy tissue arrangement and scarring is fibrosis. The particles which cause fibrosis or scarring are called fibrogenic. At the point when fibrosis is brought about by crystalline silica, the condition is called silicosis. Once deposited in the pulmonary alveoli, these quartz-based minerogenic silica particles start a fibrotic wound reaction that can in the long run lead to silicosis, a debilitating pneumonic condition. Extreme silicosis can additionally harm the immune system by impeding the ability of macrophages in the lungs to distort the growth of pathogenic organisms found in airborne dust, prompting a variety of bacterial infections [14].

An inherited hypersensitivity of the immune system to react to a specific ubiquitous airborne antigen or the presentation to a new aerosoled soil material

**Figure 1.** *The human respiratory tract (source: Pinterest.com).*

may trigger reactions of the immune system that can bring about asthma and other related conditions. The scarring effect of inhaling minerogenic dust upon the nasopharyngeal mucosa creates an ideal environment for contamination of *N. meningitis*. Studies have shown that samples of aerosoled materials collected during dust events on the African continent have a host of human pathogens, including *Actinobacter calcoaceticus*, *Kocuria rosea* and others [15].

### **7. Water-related respiratory defects**

Varieties of water sources can become repositories and vectors for contaminants related with intense and chronic lung infection. Improper sewage sanitation is an issue for about 40% of the world's population, and a millions of individuals die every year from waterborne illnesses [16]. Polluted and filthy water is exceptionally harmful for living organism particularly for wellbeing of humans. It causes numerous health issues which can eventually lead to death if not treated on time. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols is the most important route of exposure leading to water-related lung disease. Nonetheless, dermal assimilation, dispersed marine-acquired wound infections, and ingestion or aspiration of water containing harmful contaminants have been related with pneumonic sickness also. Upper respiratory side effects are common after water exercises, with over 40% of recreational swimmers reporting sinus symptoms. Hyperemia is the suspected etiology, and indication of prolonged water exposure [17].

The center for disease control (CDC) likewise detailed the peril in swimming; swimmers are said to be in danger of respiratory diseases if they take in steam or mist from a pool or hot tub that contains harmful germs. A respiratory sickness brought about by the germ Legionella is one of the most reoccurring waterborne ailments (drinking water and recreational water). If legionnaires' disease develops and is unrecognized, mortality might be as high as 10%. Untreated lakes and streams are said to have been the culprit, just as public pool or hot tub [14].

### **8. Food-related respiratory defects**

Diet and nutrition might be significant modifiable risk factors for the improvement, movement and the management of obstructive lung infections, for example, asthma and incessant obstructive pneumonic ailment (COPD) [18]. Diet and nutrition are progressively becoming recognized as modifiable contributors to chronic disease development and progression. Significant proof has shown the essence of dietary intake in obstructive lung disease, for example, asthma and incessant obstructive pneumonic disease (COPD) in both early life and ailment advancement. This dietary example should comprise of a high admission of insignificantly handled plant nourishments, to be specific; organic product, vegetables, breads, grains, beans, nuts and seeds, low to direct intake of dairy nourishments, fish, poultry and wine and low intake of red meat. High intake of olive oil brings about a dietary synthesis that is low in soaked fat however still moderate in complete fat. Be that as it may, over sustenance and coming about weight are unmistakably connected with asthma; however the instruments included are still under scrutiny [19].

### **9. Recommendation and conclusion**

The ability to survey the environment and exposure must be improved upon so as to comprehend the impact environmental factors have on disease and to decide if

**61**

mented [20].

*Environmental Media and Associated Respiratory Defects*

mechanisms by which these toxicants act are unknown [20].

comprehend the need to avoid the risks of dust [18].

new ecological variables may bring about illness. Assessment methods are required to screen an individual's absolute exposure to environmental factors over a lifetime as opposed to during a specific time span or in one circumstance. This evaluation could be accomplished at any rate halfway with the improvement of biomarkers that indicate exposure to precipitating factors from in utero to the end of life. Research surveys that address the multifaceted nature of the exposures are very likely to show the impact of environmental factors on lung infection [20].

So likewise, more discoveries should be made about the interaction between the individual and environment to have a better definition of at risk population. These efforts ought to not only distinguish most at risk population but to likewise consider how alterations of environmental factors could decrease the impact of disease. An integrative methodology will be required for these researches, alongside dependence on genetic technologies, bioinformatics, and complex biostatistical techniques. Likewise distinguishing hereditary components related with risk of exposure. This research could also recognize biomarkers of illness and characterize potential pathogenic pathways that might be focused to lessen or treat sickness [20]. Furthermore, the means by which environmental toxins influence disease development should be characterized. In spite of the fact that it is confirmed that indoor air pollution increases the danger of cardiovascular illness, so also indoor air contamination due to biomass smoke accumulation especially in children, the

Finally, to mitigate environmental lung disease, multidisciplinary research and public health programs are expected to decipher what is found about these toxicants and pathways for modifications in the environment in order to help individuals who are in danger of respiratory diseases. Presently, there are not too many researchers and clinicians who have the interest and capacity to lead environmental research. Hence, a significant step to improve in this field is to prepare more analysts. With these methodologies and the improvement of organizations among researchers and the general population everywhere, the role of environmental factors in lung disease will keep on being characterized and techniques to forestall must be imple-

To avoid respiratory problems with other health issues especially in work areas

caused by exposure to dust, controls must be implemented. According to the hierarchy of control, the main consideration should be hazardous substances substituted with non-hazardous substances. Where substitution is impossible, other engineering control methods could be introduced. which include: the use of wet processes for the enclosure of dust-producing processes under negative air pressure (slight vacuum compared to the air pressure outside the enclosure); exhausting air containing dust through a collection system before releasing to the atmosphere; use of vacuums instead of brooms good housekeeping efficient storage and transport controlled disposal of dangerous waste; use of personal protective equipment is also very important, but it should nevertheless be the last resort of protection. Personal protective equipment should not be a substitute for proper dust control and should be used only where dust control methods are not yet effective or are inadequate. Most importantly, workers, through education and proper orientation, must

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91389*

#### *Environmental Media and Associated Respiratory Defects DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91389*

*Respiratory Physiology*

may trigger reactions of the immune system that can bring about asthma and other related conditions. The scarring effect of inhaling minerogenic dust upon the nasopharyngeal mucosa creates an ideal environment for contamination of *N. meningitis*. Studies have shown that samples of aerosoled materials collected during dust events on the African continent have a host of human pathogens, including

Varieties of water sources can become repositories and vectors for contaminants related with intense and chronic lung infection. Improper sewage sanitation is an issue for about 40% of the world's population, and a millions of individuals die every year from waterborne illnesses [16]. Polluted and filthy water is exceptionally harmful for living organism particularly for wellbeing of humans. It causes numerous health issues which can eventually lead to death if not treated on time. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols is the most important route of exposure leading to water-related lung disease. Nonetheless, dermal assimilation, dispersed marine-acquired wound infections, and ingestion or aspiration of water containing harmful contaminants have been related with pneumonic sickness also. Upper respiratory side effects are common after water exercises, with over 40% of recreational swimmers reporting sinus symptoms. Hyperemia is the suspected etiology, and indication of prolonged water exposure [17]. The center for disease control (CDC) likewise detailed the peril in swimming; swimmers are said to be in danger of respiratory diseases if they take in steam or mist from a pool or hot tub that contains harmful germs. A respiratory sickness brought about by the germ Legionella is one of the most reoccurring waterborne ailments (drinking water and recreational water). If legionnaires' disease develops and is unrecognized, mortality might be as high as 10%. Untreated lakes and streams are

Diet and nutrition might be significant modifiable risk factors for the improvement, movement and the management of obstructive lung infections, for example, asthma and incessant obstructive pneumonic ailment (COPD) [18]. Diet and nutrition are progressively becoming recognized as modifiable contributors to chronic disease development and progression. Significant proof has shown the essence of dietary intake in obstructive lung disease, for example, asthma and incessant obstructive pneumonic disease (COPD) in both early life and ailment advancement. This dietary example should comprise of a high admission of insignificantly handled plant nourishments, to be specific; organic product, vegetables, breads, grains, beans, nuts and seeds, low to direct intake of dairy nourishments, fish, poultry and wine and low intake of red meat. High intake of olive oil brings about a dietary synthesis that is low in soaked fat however still moderate in complete fat. Be that as it may, over sustenance and coming about weight are unmistakably connected with asthma; however the instruments included are still under scrutiny [19].

The ability to survey the environment and exposure must be improved upon so as to comprehend the impact environmental factors have on disease and to decide if

*Actinobacter calcoaceticus*, *Kocuria rosea* and others [15].

said to have been the culprit, just as public pool or hot tub [14].

**8. Food-related respiratory defects**

**9. Recommendation and conclusion**

**7. Water-related respiratory defects**

**60**

new ecological variables may bring about illness. Assessment methods are required to screen an individual's absolute exposure to environmental factors over a lifetime as opposed to during a specific time span or in one circumstance. This evaluation could be accomplished at any rate halfway with the improvement of biomarkers that indicate exposure to precipitating factors from in utero to the end of life. Research surveys that address the multifaceted nature of the exposures are very likely to show the impact of environmental factors on lung infection [20].

So likewise, more discoveries should be made about the interaction between the individual and environment to have a better definition of at risk population. These efforts ought to not only distinguish most at risk population but to likewise consider how alterations of environmental factors could decrease the impact of disease. An integrative methodology will be required for these researches, alongside dependence on genetic technologies, bioinformatics, and complex biostatistical techniques. Likewise distinguishing hereditary components related with risk of exposure. This research could also recognize biomarkers of illness and characterize potential pathogenic pathways that might be focused to lessen or treat sickness [20].

Furthermore, the means by which environmental toxins influence disease development should be characterized. In spite of the fact that it is confirmed that indoor air pollution increases the danger of cardiovascular illness, so also indoor air contamination due to biomass smoke accumulation especially in children, the mechanisms by which these toxicants act are unknown [20].

Finally, to mitigate environmental lung disease, multidisciplinary research and public health programs are expected to decipher what is found about these toxicants and pathways for modifications in the environment in order to help individuals who are in danger of respiratory diseases. Presently, there are not too many researchers and clinicians who have the interest and capacity to lead environmental research. Hence, a significant step to improve in this field is to prepare more analysts. With these methodologies and the improvement of organizations among researchers and the general population everywhere, the role of environmental factors in lung disease will keep on being characterized and techniques to forestall must be implemented [20].

To avoid respiratory problems with other health issues especially in work areas caused by exposure to dust, controls must be implemented. According to the hierarchy of control, the main consideration should be hazardous substances substituted with non-hazardous substances. Where substitution is impossible, other engineering control methods could be introduced. which include: the use of wet processes for the enclosure of dust-producing processes under negative air pressure (slight vacuum compared to the air pressure outside the enclosure); exhausting air containing dust through a collection system before releasing to the atmosphere; use of vacuums instead of brooms good housekeeping efficient storage and transport controlled disposal of dangerous waste; use of personal protective equipment is also very important, but it should nevertheless be the last resort of protection. Personal protective equipment should not be a substitute for proper dust control and should be used only where dust control methods are not yet effective or are inadequate. Most importantly, workers, through education and proper orientation, must comprehend the need to avoid the risks of dust [18].
