The mechanisms of lung damage can vary depending on the nature of the toxic agent:
1. Inflammation: Many toxic agents cause inflammatory responses in the lung tissue, leading to swelling, redness, and damage to the cells. 2. Oxidative Stress: Some toxic agents produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids. 3. Fibrosis: Chronic exposure to certain agents can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the lungs. 4. Cell Death: Severe exposure can result in necrosis or apoptosis of lung cells.
