The existence of biological and chemical hazards in the work environment plays a significant role in the incidence of human health impacts. Environmental and occupational toxicology can therefore be described as the application of the ideologies and methodologies related to pharmacology in addressing the biological and chemical hazards encountered within our surroundings. The primary role of environmental toxicologists is to address adverse health concerns by preventing them at the workplace. Since the workplace often presents contact with hazardous toxins, occupational toxicologists play the role of identifying the level of exposure combinations and their likely health impacts. This research paper aims at explaining the role of the respiratory system and its susceptibility to toxicants. It will also describe how humans can be exposed to contaminants as well as analyze the effects of the toxicants. Lastly, the essay will explain a recent issue related to this topic and how it is being managed. The respiratory system is one of the most crucial biological organs of the human body. Also known as pulmonary ventilation, this system aids in breathing as well as the exchange of gases between various body tissues and the bloodstream. In this system, the air is inhaled by oral and nasal cavities through the Pharynx and the trachea into the lungs. Carbon IV oxide is then exhaled through the same path. When in a contaminated environment, air inhaled can be full of respiratory toxicants like chemical substances and particles. Exposure to these toxicants can have adverse impacts on the system that consists of the lungs, bronchi, trachea, and nasal passages. When the respiratory system is susceptible to these toxicants there can be the development of both acute and chronic conditions. This shows that exposure to occupational chemicals and particles can result in respiratory impairment. Exposure to these toxicants is possible as a result of various human and natural happenings that produce them. Industrial activities are normally considered the highest producers of toxicants to the environment. For example, incomplete combustion of coal, as well as uncontrolled welding of metals in industries, normally results in the production of Ozone gas. This kind of toxicant has low solubility and when inhaled can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Also, industrial activities like sulfur combustion can lead to the production of Sulfur IV oxide. Such activities should be controlled to reduce exposure to chemical toxicants in the atmosphere ( Roberts, James, and Williams, 2014) . Toxicants can have both acute and chronic effects on the respiratory system. Chemical toxicants produced as a result of industrial and occupational activities have proven to have the most significant effects on the respiratory system as well as the human body. Acute exposure to a substance like Sulfur IV oxide gas can result in the irritation of respiratory components like the nasal cavity. Also, studies have proven that when air contaminated with Sulfur IV oxide is inhaled and vigorous exercise is done, there are chances of developing bronchoconstriction. This is a result of an exposure-response relationship that can lead to bronchitis. Also, ozone gas which is the main component in atmospheric smog worsens asthma, results in breathing complications, and increases the incidence and severity of respiratory ailments. Acute exposure to ozone gas can trigger impacts ranging from slight irritations to death as a result of suffocation. Prolonged exposure to these common respiratory toxicants can also result in structural damage to a variety of organs like the lungs and the trachea leading to chronic diseases like pulmonary cancer, fibrosis, and emphysema. Fibrosis is a severe lung complication characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract. This leads to difficulty in breathing and even death. Fibrosis can be caused by being in contact with metallic substances like aluminum and beryllium as well as coal dust. Lastly, emphysema is an acute and degenerative respiratory ailment characterized by the incomplete expansion and contraction of the lungs while breathing. The most common cause of emphysema is known to be frequent and heavy smoking of cigarettes. Alternatively, the respiratory ailment can be induced by exposure to industrial and occupational toxicants like cadmium oxide, aluminum, ozone, and other oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. Above all, several various toxicants are known to be causal agents of respiratory cancer. For instance, well-known human respiratory carcinogens are asbestos, nickel, and arsenic. According to the American Lung Association and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone and sulfur IV oxide are the most critical toxicants in the world. These toxicants have with time resulted in widespread health concerns. For instance, these toxicants have been proven to be the leading causes of respiratory ailments and deaths in the past two years. Studies have also linked lower birth weights and premature deaths of newborns to exposure to these substances. Relevant agencies like the EPA have recommended a variety of actions to reduce their exposure ( US EPA, 2018) . Some of them include limiting the use of private transport, opting for cleaner energy as well as conserving electricity. The American Lung Association also recommends avoiding exercising outdoors in the afternoon hours during the summer. In conclusion, every industrial working environment has toxic elements that when exposed to humans may lead to health impacts. Most respiratory complications are a result of continuous exposure to such toxicants. There is a need to regulate the emission of these toxicants to reduce the incidence of respiratory ailments.
References
Reilly, C. A. (2017). Introduction to Respiratory Toxicology. In Respiratory Toxicology (pp. 2-4). Elsevier Inc.
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Roberts, S. M., James, R. C., & Williams, P. L. (2014). Principles of toxicology: environmental and industrial applications . John Wiley & Sons.
US EPA. (2018). Actions You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution | Ground-level Ozone | New England |. Retrieved from https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/reducepollution.html
