Respiratory Toxicants

Respiratory toxicants cause adverse effects to the structure or functioning of the respiratory system (nasal passages, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs), and produce a variety of acute and chronic pulmonary conditions, including local irritation, bronchitis, pulmonary edema, emphysema, and cancer.
 
Respiratory toxicants include categories of substances like toxic gases, vapors from solvents, aerosols, and particulate matter. Ozone and fine particles are known to pose a significant threat to respiratory health. Ground-level ozone, the main component in smog, causes breathing problems, aggravates asthma, and increases the severity and incidence of respiratory infections.