The average person inhales bout 44 pounds of dust in a lifetime.
Dust that is small enough to pass the cilia in the nasal cavity, trachea, and bronchi reach the sacs and the lower part of the airways where there is no cilia to trap the dust. They are then attacked by macrophages to be eliminated. This is very important as they defend the lungs and keep them clean. Another way for dust to be removed from the lungs is by germ-bearing particles which are produced by proteins.
Dust can come from grinding metals and minerals, like rock and soil. (Silica, asbestos, coal)
Dust can also come from plants and animals. They can be fungi, microbes, or toxic substances. Also dyes and pesticides.
The majority of dust consists of dead skin cells. YA NASTEH.
When dust builds up, it can inflame the trachea and the bronchi, causing tracheitis and bronchitis.
Diseases caused by too much inhalation of dust is called "Dusty Lung" disease or pneumoconiosis.
To protect the lungs from being susceptible to dust:
- use vacuums instead of brooms
- clean your area frequently, be a good housekeeper
- dispose dangerous waste in a controlled manner
- wear a face mask when working in high-dust areas
- clean your area before working in it for long periods
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/lungs_dust.html#_1_2
By: Vicki and Amber
Ummm, gross.
ReplyDeleteMs. Phillips