Final answer:
The inhalation of air toxics through the respiratory system introduces toxic substances into the body, which can lead to health risks. Contaminants from various sources are trapped by the mucociliary escalator and may be absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching internal organs and necessitating detoxification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which toxic substances are introduced into the body through the respiratory system is called inhalation of air toxics.
Respiratory system exposure to toxic substances primarily occurs when individuals breathe in contaminated air. This can come from various sources, such as vehicles, industrial sites, wildfires, and even some indoor products. Once inhaled, these toxic air pollutants may be absorbed by the bloodstream and transported to internal organs, causing potential health effects over time. The body's natural defensive mechanism against inhalation of toxins—the mucociliary escalator—functions to trap and remove particles and pathogens through mucus and ciliary action.
However, if exposure levels to airborne toxics are high enough, or if the body's defense mechanisms are overwhelmed, toxicants can cause damage to the respiratory tract and additional target organs such as the liver and kidneys, which partake in the detoxification mechanism. Understanding routes of exposure is essential in mitigating risks associated with air toxics.