Review

Abstract

The article is a synthesis of current information from the literature regarding the link between chemical atmospheric pollutants and their impact on respiratory tract infections. The viruses most frequently involved in respiratory pathology are represented by: respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, influenza virus, parainfluenza, rhino - and enteroviruses, after the SARS epidemic, MERS and COVID-19 pandemic, coronaviruses are etiological factors with significant fatality. The most common air pollutants are: PM10, PM2.5, NO, NO2, SO2, and soil level O3. Increased levels of these pollutants influence the incidence and fatality of viral respiratory infections. Unlike PM10, which remains confined to the upper respiratory tract, PM2.5 penetrates deep into the respiratory tree, causing local inflammatory reactions and impaired defense mechanisms. Also, the increase in susceptibility to respiratory infections is correlated with long-term exposure to high concentrations of: NO, NO2, SO2 and O3.