Health Issues Associated
With Fly Ash
Particles of fly ash.
Depending on their toxicity, chemical properties and
concentration in the air, fly ash particles may pose an inhalation hazard
to exposed workers. When fly ash particles are inhaled and deposited in the
lung they can impose health risks by leaching genotoxic compounds, and through
the alteration of immunological mechanisms. More specifically, as the lung
burden of particles increases, alveolar macropahages and epithelial cells
become activated leading to the release of inflammatory mediators, reactive
oxygen species, enzymes, cytokines, and growth factors that control and stimulate
fibrosis and genotoxic events. The major illness of concern are pneumoconiosis
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD). For more information see
study conducted by Paul J. A. Borm.
