How Particulate Matter injures airways and promotes exacerbation of pulmonary diseases

Zaira Leni, Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern. Courtesy of Zaira Leni - An international study led by the University of Bern has investigated the effects of ambient Particulate Matter (PM) from human and natural sources on human lung cells. Thereby, the researchers found damage to the cellular defense system of the lungs, which furthers the aggravation of pre-existing lung diseases like asthma or Cystic Fibrosis. Man-made PM components, among them from wood-burning fires and road traffic are mainly responsible for the investigated health damaging effects. Air pollution, in particular through particulate matter, belongs beside high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and overweight to the leading five health risks worldwide. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and persons with cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases are especially vulnerable. According to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, every year more than 2000 people die prematurely from the consequences of air pollution in Switzerland and 4.2 million worldwide.