The role of nanoparticles of industrial aerosols in the formation of occupational bronchopulmonary pathology

Abstract

The significant prevalence of industrial aerosols with unintentional nanoparticles and the increasing use of engineering nanoparticles in modern production determine the relevance of research on the patterns of interaction with the human bronchopulmonary system. Unintentional nanoparticles are formed during various production processes: melting and welding of metals, combustion, crushing, grinding of minerals, plasma processing of materials. Engineering nanoparticles are released into the air of the work area during their production or use in any technological processes. The respiratory system, as a barrier organ, is most vulnerable to the effects of adverse environmental factors. At the same time, nanoparticles are the least studied component of industrial aerosols. In order to systematize data on the role of nanoparticles in the development of occupational bronchopulmonary pathology, the authors conducted a literature review. The size determines the features of the physical, chemical and biological properties of nanoparticles. They have high values of the ratio of surface area to volume, total surface area, which leads to an increase in reactogenicity and penetrating power. The pathogenic properties of nanoparticles depend on the chemical composition, shape, curvature of the surface, structure, charge, mass concentration, total surface area of the particles, and exposure time. The multidimensionality of hygienic characteristics determines the complexity of hygienic rationing and monitoring of nanoparticles. To date, safe exposure levels have not been established. When interacting with cells of the respiratory tract, nanoparticles induce the following cellular and molecular mechanisms: oxidative stress, inflammation, violation of the epithelial barrier, autophagy and dysfunction of lysosomes, stress of the endoplasmic reticulum, apoptosis, senescence, fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, DNA damage. This leads to the development of interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis and obstructive disorders, and an increase in the activity of allergic inflammation. All these mechanisms are present in the pathogenesis of occupational lung diseases. Under the influence of nanoparticles of various chemical compositions, separate phenotypes of occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are formed. There is a lack of epidemiological studies of the possible etiological role of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of industrial aerosols are a significant factor in the development of occupational diseases of the bronchopulmonary system and have a significant impact on the formation of phenotypes.