Effect of biomass smoke on pulmonary host defence mechanisms

SummaryIn the developing world, the burning of biomass fuels in and around homes results in very high levels of inhalable particles and gases. Several epidemiological studies have reported an association between indoor air pollution from biomass smoke and increased vulnerability to lower respiratory tract infection in children. This review assesses whether a plausible mechanism for this association can be found in studies using animal models and airway cells.