The effect of particulate matter which is a common air pollutant is maximally seen on the _______.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB JE CBT 2 (Mechanical Engineering) ReExam Official Paper (Held On: 04 Jun, 2025)

Answer 1

The Correct answer is lungs.

Key Points

Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, often resulting from activities such as combustion, industrial processes, or natural events like wildfires and volcanic eruptions.
The lungs are the primary organs exposed to airborne pollutants due to their role in respiration.
When inhaled, fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
This exposure can lead to a variety of health issues, including inflammation, reduced lung function, chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, bronchitis), and lung cancer.
Long-term exposure to particulate matter has been linked to an increased risk of cardiopulmonary mortality and a rise in hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other research institutions have emphasized the critical impact of particulate matter on respiratory health.
Individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution are at a higher risk, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.

Additional Information

Intestines
- The intestines are part of the digestive system and are not directly impacted by particulate matter in the air.
- Although some toxins may enter the bloodstream via inhalation and indirectly affect other organs, the intestines are not the primary site of particulate matter impact.
Kidneys
- The kidneys filter waste and excess substances from the blood, but they are not directly affected by particulate matter inhalation.
- However, long-term exposure to air pollution may contribute to systemic issues that could indirectly affect kidney health, such as hypertension.
Liver
- The liver is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the body, but it is not the primary target of particulate matter inhalation.
- Some studies suggest that systemic inflammation from air pollution could impact liver function over time, but this is secondary to the effects on the lungs.