Biological Mechanisms of Respiratory Effects of Particulate Matter and its Interaction with COVID-19

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is an aggregate of particles and chemical/biological components. Some of these components include harmful substances, and fine PM easily reaches the bronchioli and alveoli when inhaled, causing health challenges in the respiratory and immune systems. Exacerbation of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and bronchial asthma, is one of the representative cases. There is also concern that PM exacerbates coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we introduce the health effects of PM and its components and the underlying mechanisms, focusing on the respiratory and immune systems from the perspective of an experimental approach.