How Does Toxic Exposure Affect Ciliated Epithelium?
Toxic exposure can impair the function of ciliated epithelium in several ways. Certain airborne toxins and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, industrial emissions, and chemical fumes, can damage the cilia or the epithelial cells themselves. This damage can lead to reduced ciliary beat frequency or outright ciliary loss, which compromises the mucociliary clearance and increases susceptibility to respiratory diseases.
