Extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of the host response in environmental lung disease

Abstract

The development of lung disorders of environmental origin depends on a host response and the circumstances of exposure to noxious inhalable material. Climate, geography, culture, level of physical activity and the quality of indoor and outdoor air are important extrinsic variables. Host susceptibility is influenced by variable mechanisms which comprise plumonary defence. Few of these mechanisms are fully understood and most require more precise definition.

Notes

To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G3I 2ES, Scotland, UK.