THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

‡ Our respiratory system will be affected if it is exposed to the air pollutants. ‡ The air pollutants include the gaseous pollutants and the tiny. ‡ Most pollutants are toxic and carcinogenic. ‡ Toxic substances can harm living cells. ‡ Carcinogenic substances can lead to the production of cancerous cells.

‡ Toxic substances are called toxins. ‡ Carcinogenic substances are called carcinogens.

Substances harmful to the respiratory system

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Nicotine Carbon monoxide Tar Haze Sulphur dioxide

The Effects of Pollutants on the Respiratory System

‡ Carbon monoxide
± Found in smoke of vehicle ± Combines with haemoglobin at least 200 times easier than oxygen does ± When we breathe carbon monoxide, fewer red blood cells are able to carry oxygen ± Thus, reduce oxygen supply to body cells

‡ Sulphur dioxide
± Produced during burning of fossil fuels ± Found in smoke and gases from factories ± Irritates the air passage of the respiratory system ± Can corrode the tissues of trachea and alveolus wall. ± Do not allow oxygen to be transported to blood capillaries. ± Can lead to death

‡ Haze
± Forms when smoke particles pollute the air. ± Suffocate the respiratory passage ± Damages the lungs

‡ Nicotine
± Found in cigarette smoke ± Causes addiction to smoking ± Rapid heartbeat and breathing ± Increase blood pressure

‡ Tar
± Found in cigarettes smoke ± Sticks to the inside of the lungs ± Walls of the alveoli got thicker, so it is difficult for oxygen to diffuse into blood capillaries ± Can cause cancer

Diseases that Affect the Respiratory System

Bronchitis Asthma Emphysema

Tuberculosis

Pneumonia

Influenza

Lung cancer

Bronchitis

Asthma

Emphysema

Pneumonia

Way to improve the air quality

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ Not smoking Banning open burning of rubbish Use public transport Practice car pooling