Impact of Earthquakes on Lung Health

Autor: Ege Güleç Balbay, Özgecan Kayalar, Öner Balbay, Öner Dikensoy, Peri Arbak, Hasan Bayram
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Thoracic Research and Practice, Vol 25, Iss 2, Pp 89-98 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2979-9139
DOI: 10.5152/ThoracResPract.2024.23059
Popis: Earthquakes are catastrophic natural disasters that cause extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupt the lives of millions worldwide. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological damage caused by earthquakes, these events can significantly impact respiratory health. The inhalation of dust, smoke, particulates, toxic gases, and asbestos exposure can lead to various respiratory health pathologies. These include respiratory infections, exacerbations of pre-existing respiratory diseases, chest traumas, and pulmonary and venous thromboembolism. Longitudinal studies are necessary to assess the long-term respiratory health effects in affected populations. By addressing these knowledge gaps, future mitigation strategies and preparedness measures can be developed to minimize the respiratory health impacts of earthquakes and improve the well-being of affected communities. Robust building infrastructure and comprehensive earthquake preparedness are emerging as the most important determinants for not only mitigating building collapse but also significantly reducing the potential health impacts that follow. This comprehensive review aims to provide a systematic overview of the lung health impacts of earthquakes. It highlights the need for further research to identify specific pollutants, air contaminants, and environmental factors contributing to respiratory health issues following earthquakes.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals