VMBO Year 2 · HAVO/VWO Years 2–3 · Cellular respiration and breathing · Section 1.5

Healthy airways

Keeping airways healthy

Avoiding smoking is important for healthy airways. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including many that can cause cancer. Tar and other smoke components damage the airway lining.

Electronic cigarettes and waterpipes are not harmless alternatives. Damage to the lungs can reduce gas exchange and physical fitness.

Exercise and breathing

Regular physical activity improves fitness and can strengthen breathing muscles. Singing and playing wind instruments also involve controlled use of the breathing muscles. Training does not necessarily increase the anatomical size of healthy lungs.

Smog is air pollution involving particles and sometimes gases such as ozone. In still weather, pollutants may accumulate. During pollution episodes, check local air-quality advice and avoid strenuous outdoor activity when pollution is high. The cleanest time of day depends on the pollutant and conditions.

Fresh air

In crowded, poorly ventilated rooms, such as classrooms, carbon dioxide and other indoor pollutants can build up. Poor air quality can be associated with tiredness, headaches and reduced concentration. Airborne infectious particles can also accumulate.

Ventilation replaces indoor air with outdoor air. Keep suitable ventilation openings clear and use windows or mechanical ventilation as appropriate. Briefly airing a room can help, but regular ventilation is needed while people are present.

A carbon dioxide monitor can help indicate whether ventilation is sufficient for the number of occupants; it does not measure every aspect of air quality.

Hay fever

Many plants, particularly wind-pollinated plants, release pollen into the air. In the Netherlands, trees often release pollen in spring, while grasses and other plants contribute later in the season.

Some people have an allergic response to pollen, called hay fever. Symptoms can include itchy or watery eyes, sneezing and a runny or itchy nose. Pollen reaching the lining of the eyes and airways triggers an immune response and inflammation in susceptible people.

Limiting exposure can help. Pollen forecasts and apps show when airborne pollen levels are expected to be high.