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Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
Published on: July 12, 2024
Climate Change and Asthma: Work-Related Risks and Planetary Implications
J P M van der Valk1, T C Chin-See-Chong, J C C M In 't Veen
1From the Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Center of Excellence of Asthma and COPD, Respiratory diseases, Allergy and occupational diseases, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., T.C.C-S-C., J.C.C.M.V., G.J.B.); Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.V.); Institute for Clinical Occupational Medicine Netherlands (IkaNed), Nieuwegein, the Netherlands (J.E.J.); Occupational health physician, the Netherlands (J.B.); and Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (G.J.B.).
Objective:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness to internal and external factors. In addition to well-known irritants such as allergens and pollutants, weather conditions-amplified by climate change-are increasingly recognized as contributors to asthma symptoms.
Method:
This study gives an overview of the literature on asthma and climate change, the occupational risks, and planetary health implications.
Results:
Environmental changes in temperature extremes and allergen levels can disrupt immune regulation-specifically, the Th1/Th2 balance-thereby contributing to airway narrowing, and stronger inflammatory responses. Climate change worsens respiratory health by prolonging pollen seasons, intensifying allergies, fostering mold and pests, and triggering asthma through extreme weather.
Conclusions:
Given the growing impact of climate change, increasing public and professional awareness is key to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting long-term respiratory health.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Global Climate Change
What is Climate?

