Changes of respiratory system in mice exposed to PM4.0 or TSP from exhaust gases of combustion of cashew nut shell

- Cashew nuts shell (CNS) are a biomass with good energy potential.
- Exposure to CNS combustion particles causes damage to the respiratory system.
- CNS combustion emits gases that can be toxic to human health.
- We must have control with the emissions of combustion gases from CNS.

Air pollution is a topic discussed all over the world and the search for alternatives to reduce it is of great interest to many researchers. The use of alternative energy sources and biofuels seems to be the environmentally safer solution. In this work, the deleterious effects on the respiratory system of mice exposed to PM4.0 or TSP, present in exhaust gases from the combustion of CNS were investigated, through data from respiratory system mechanics, oxidative stress, histopathology and morphometry of the parenchyma pulmonary. The results show changes in all variables of respiratory system mechanics, in oxidative stress, the histopathological analysis and lung morphometry. The results provide experimental support for epidemiological observations of association between effects on the respiratory system and exposure to PM4.0 or TSP from CNS combustion exhaust gases, even at acute exposure. It can serve as a basis for regulation or adjustment of environmental laws that control the emissions of these gases.