Cigarette smoking and reactions to air pollutants

There are many mechanisms whereby recent exposure to cigarette smoke augments the toxicity of common air contaminants: the total pollutant burden is increased, there is cumulative irritation of the airways, pollutants are deposited selectively in the airways, ventilatory patterns are altered, mucus production is increased, ciliary function is depressed, mucosal characteristics are altered, macrophage activity is depressed and specific allergic reactions may occur. In the longer term adverse changes of form and function may develop in the lining of the airways.