Pollution mucks up the lungs’ immune defenses over time

Impaired lung immune function joins the list of pollution-related health problems

Particulate matter, one of the pollutants emitted from coal-burning power plants, accumulates over time in the lungs’ immune tissues. The buildup might help explain older adults’ weakened respiratory immune function.

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The lungs’ immune defenses can wane with age, leaving older adults more susceptible to lung damage and severe bouts of respiratory infections.