Question

describe how pollution and smoking affect the lung capacity and affect the quality of health of an individual listing down the common ailments that affect the respiratory system.

Answer 1

Smoking and air pollution causes damage to the air sacs called alveoli of lungs. This results in the poor exchange of air across the alveolar membrane. Also the deposition of smoke or tar in the alveoli damages them. These all factors reduce the air holding capacity of lungs i.e lung capacity.

The other health issues of air pollution and smoking are increased chances of lung cancer, heart attack and high blood pressure.

The common ailments that affect the respiratory system are:

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
2. Asthma
3. Lung cancer
4. Chronic bronchitis
5. Emphysema