What are common toxic agents that contribute to COPD?
Several toxic agents are known to contribute to the development and exacerbation of COPD, including:
Cigarette smoke: The primary risk factor for COPD, containing thousands of harmful chemicals that damage lung tissue. Air pollutants: Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone are major environmental pollutants that impair lung function. Occupational dusts and chemicals: Workers exposed to dust, fumes, and vapors in industries such as coal mining, construction, and manufacturing are at increased risk. Indoor air pollutants: Cooking and heating with biomass fuels in poorly ventilated spaces release harmful particles.
