[Changes of biochemical processes of the lungs caused by air pollutants (author's transl)]

The investigations of the last 10 years have shown that beside the respiratory function the biochemical processes of the lungs are of basic importance. The normal biochemical processes are the prerequisite to a normal respiratory function. Today the problems of air pollutants are topical. Therefore a review of the new literature about the influence of air pollutants on biochemical processes of the lungs is given. The following substances are included: gaseous air pollutants (ozone, NO2, SO2, phosgene) and aerosols as well as dust (cadmium, paraquat, carcinogens, tobacco smoke). Furthermore the biochemical changes of the lungs by high and low oxygen concentrations are described. Our knowledge concerning the simultaneous influence of several pollutants, the possibilities for an early biochemical detection of damages caused by air pollutants, and their therapeutical influence are still limited.