SUBSTANCES HARMFUL TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Importance of Healthy Respiratory SystemSUBSTANCES HARMFUL TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM1. Sulphur dioxideSulphur dioxide is mainly produced by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and diesel in factories.

It corrodes the respiratory system and can cause diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. 2. NicotineNicotine is a poisonous chemical from cigarette smoke.

It hardens the blood vessels and increases blood pressure.

It is highly addictive and can cause lung cancer.

3. Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide is a poisonous gas released from motor vehicles.

The haemoglobin in the red blood cells readily combines with it to form carboxyhaemoglobin. This prevents the body cells from absorbing oxygen.

Breathing in too much of this gas causes death by carbon monoxide poisoning.4. TarTar is a thick black chemical in cigarette smoke.

It sticks to the internal wall of the respiratory system and damages it.

It corrodes the lungs causing them to be less elastic and unable to function properly.

It prevents dust and bacteria from being cleared from the lungs, causing infection in the lungs.

5. HazeHaze is formed as a result of too much dust, smoke and water vapour in the air. Burning of forests can cause haze.

It reduces visibility.

It irritates the respiratory passage and causes cough, asthma and bronchitis, especially in elderly people.

6. Carcinogens and toxinsCigarette smoke contains carcinogens such as benzophyrene.

These carcinogens can cause cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs.

Cigarette smoke also contains toxins such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide.

Diseases Relatedto Respiratory SystemAir pollution , the presence of harmful microbes in air , smoking and crowded cities cause respiratory diseases. Examples include asthma , influenza , pneumonia , tuberculosis , bronchitis , emphysema and lung cancer.Asthma The primary cause of asthma seems to be airborne irritants such as pollutants and dust. However , genetic factors and food allergy also play a part.

Asthma is a condition in which the tubes of the lungs being inflamed. This is because the air tubes are narrower and partially blocked. More and thicker mucus is secreted into the tubes.

Influenzathis disease is caused by viruses which attack the mucus membranes in the respiratory system.

the influenza virus spreads through tiny droplets in the air.

PneumoniaPneumonia is caused by bacteria , viruses and chemical substances in polluted air.The trachea and alveolus are attacked by bacteria and viruses.lungs are filled with pus and fluid and the patient willl suffer from chest pains , fever and coughs.

Tuberculosis this disease is caused by bacterial infection (mycobacterium tuberculosis) which are carried by water droplets and dust in the air.infection occurs when the water droplets and dust are inhaled by other people.The patient suffers prolonged coughs and spits out of blood in the end stages.

Bronchitis bronchitis is caused by viral infections. Bronchitis makes a person cough and produce a lot of mucus.the bronchus become swollen and the patient feels pain in the chest.bronchitis causes colds and phlegm.this disease makes respiration and gaseous exchange difficult. Patients who smoke find it hard to recover.

EmphysemaThis disease is linked to smokers and people who work in dusty areas such as in mines and quarries.the alveoli expand and burst.the lungs become less elastic.the thickened layer of scar prevents oxygen from diffusing into the blood. As a result the patient experiences breathing difficulties.

Lung cancermany cancer cases are a result of smoking cigarettes.air polluted with carcinogens from factories and vehicle emissions , dust and asbestos also cause cancer.lung cancer is difficult to cure.lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread from a patient to other people.

WAYS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

Stop Smoking!

Stop Open Burning!!!

Maintain efficient car engines to reduce the smoke given out.

Practice car pooling

Filter the gases released by factories.

Together we can have a fresher air,together we can make a brighter future

The EndCredits :Adrian Tan Kheng Ee Hern Ryan Chan Kin HonTeong Wei Ming