Effect of Particulate Matter and Greenhouse Gases on Immune System

Air pollutants cause 7 million deaths and disabilities worldwide each year. Mostly, the negative effects of air pollution on health occur by disrupting the functioning of immune system cells. Particulate matter and greenhouse gases (CO, O3, SO2, volatile organic compounds, NOx) which enter the body especially through inhalation, stimulate the immune system by causing damage to the respiratory tract mucosal defense barrier. Subsequently, the innate and/or adaptive immune system responds to the foreign agent that causes the disease through macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes and granulocytes. Increased infiltration of immune system cells into the tissue, cytokine release, inflammation and oxidative stress cause many chronic diseases, especially immune system functioning, respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Considering the negative effects of air pollutants on body health through the immune system, it can be said that developing new treatment strategies centered on the immune system to minimize these negative effects may offer a more effective option. This review aims to promote the development of effective treatment strategies by examining the relationship between air pollutants and the immune system.