The body is a complex system and
works in a very particular way. The respiratory track is one part of the body
and consists of the nasal cavity, soft palate, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and
lungs. Air enters
through our mouth or nose travels down our trachea and goes to our lungs. As we breathe in air our diaphragm tightens to
increase the space in our chest cavity to allow the lungs to expand. Right
before the air goes to the lungs they enter the bronchi and then to the
alveoli. Once the air reaches the lungs the oxygen it provides, then goes to
the bloodstream. Foreign particles can get into the respiratory tack and cause
major problems. The body has a few barriers so this does not happen. A few
barriers are mucus, nasal hairs and cilia. Mucus and cilia line the lungs and
catch bacteria and foreign pathogens that enter the lungs. This mucus is very
sticky and the foreign particles get stuck in it. This is called the mucociliary elevator, the
goal is to get bad particles stuck and then get them out of the body. When
these particles get stuck in the mucus humans cough it up to get rid of it.
Another way of getting rid of the harmful bacteria is swallowing it into the
stomach. The stomach acid will then destroy these bacteria.
Airborne hazardous come in different
classes and sizes. Some hazardous are more toxic than others. One hazard comes
from dust. Many dry particles occur on their own. Dust is also produced in
physical processes like in a factory. Inhaling dust has many side effects
including irritation in the respiratory track, and allergic responses. If
exposed for extended amounts of time it can lead to severe lung diseases. A
second hazard is mites, which are airborne droplets. The droplets come off
liquids. Side effects include inflammation of mucus production and fluid in the
lungs. A third hazard is through fumes. Fumes are produced when materials are
heated hot enough that they become a vapor gas. Gases are also an airborne
hazard and are very common. A mix of gases can become lethal very quickly. Breathing in a gas for a few seconds could
make you pass out and die. Vapors are closely related to gasses. They are a
gaseous phase of liquids. These different airborne hazardous come in different
sizes, the larger the particle the more likely your body will be able to get
rid of it. If the particle is small it can sneak by your defense mechanisms and
enter your body. Your airway can become obstructed. If the airway is obstructed
air cannot move, the airway is blocked. The airway can become blocked if a foreign
object gets stuck or an allergic reaction occurs. During an allergic reaction,
the airway can swell shut. A restriction in the airway can also happen. A
restriction is not as severe as an obstruction. A restriction will decrease the
air flow to and from the lungs due to swelling. The swelling is not blocking
all of the airway, just part of it.
