air pollutants

Pulmonary C-fibers are stimulated by irritant air pollutants producing apnea, bronchospasm, and decrease in HR.

C-fiber chemoreflex activation is mediated by TRPV1 and release of substance P. While acrolein has been shown to stimulate C-fibers, the persistence of acrolein effects and the role of C-fibers in these responses are unknown.

These experiments were designed to determine the effects of whole-body acrolein exposure and pulmonary C-fiber sensitization post-acrolein.

Respiratory allergies and infections are the most common form of illness in the United States and Europe and account for more missed school and work days than any other disease [1].

A substantial body of experimental work has clearly shown that airborne toxicants such as tobacco smoke, ozone and other air pollutants can alter many aspects of the host defense network to either decrease resistance to infection, or exacerbate respiratory allergies and asthma [2].

In a finding that could help ease concerns about the potential environmental impact of manufacturing solar cells, scientists report that the manufacture of solar cells produces far fewer air pollutants than conventional fossil fuel technologies.

Solar energy has been touted for years as a safer, cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels to meet rising energy demands.

However, environmentalists and others are increasingly concerned about the potential negative impact of solar cell (photovoltaic) technology.