Effects of heavy metal exposure on bronchial asthma in children

Bronchial asthma(asthma) is a chronic respiratory disease with complex etiology. Because of increasing application of heavy metals in human society, human exposure to heavy metals is a challenge to public health. This review summarizes recent studies to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of heavy metal exposure on asthma in children. Results of researches have showed that heavy metal exposure resulted in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce oxidative stress, enhancement of the level of inflammatory cytokines, promoting airway inflammatory response and airway remodeling and thus aggravating the occurrence and development of asthma. Further study on these effects may lead to the development of clinical guidance for asthma management.