Question

Air contains dust particles . while inhaling air, we also inhale dust particles. Whether it is true or false? Give reason in support of the statement.

Answer 1

Hint: When a person breathes in, particles suspended in the air enters the nose, but not all of them reach the lungs.

 Complete answer: As we breathe in dust-laden air our respiratory system that starts its filtering mechanism from the nose by itself. The nose is an efficient filter, most of the large particles are stopped in it until they are removed mechanically by blowing the nose or sneezing because of the small hair present in the nose which acts as a filter. Some of the smaller particles succeed in passing through the nose the windpipe and the dividing air tubes that lead to the lungs. This can be injurious for the lungs and can cause several diseases related to the lungs. These tubes are called bronchi and bronchioles. All of these airways are lined by cells. The air reaches the tiny air sacs. Dust that reaches the sacs and lower part of the airways where there are no cilia is attacked by special cells called macrophages. There are several factors which influences the effect of inhaled particles and the factors are particle size, chemical composition, smoking.
So, from the above study, it is clear that when we inhale air it does not necessary that we also inhale dust particles.
                             

Thus, the correct answer is False i.e. we do not inhale dust particles while inhaling air.

Note: Use of personal protective equipment may be vital but it should nevertheless be the last resort of protection. Personal protective equipment should not be a substitute for proper dust control.