dallinalazione

Dallinalazione is a term sometimes used to refer to the inhalation route of exposure, though the standard Italian form is dall’inalazione or simply inalazione. In scientific and medical contexts, inhalation denotes the entry of substances into the body through the respiratory tract by breathing in gases, vapors, aerosols, or particulate matter.

Mechanism and routes

Substances reach the respiratory system when air is inhaled. The deposition of inhaled agents depends on their physical state and size: gases and vapors tend to affect the upper airways and lungs after diffusion, while fine particles (for example, PM2.5) can travel deep into the lungs and reach the alveolar region. Absorption occurs across the mucous membranes and alveolar epithelium, allowing substances to enter the bloodstream or trigger local effects in the respiratory tract.

Agents involved

Inhalation exposure encompasses a broad range of agents, including industrial gases (such as nitrogen oxides and ozone), volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (solvents and related substances), aerosols (mists and finely dispersed liquids), and particulates (dusts from minerals, metals, or organic materials).

Health implications

Acute inhalation can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, coughing, shortness of breath, or more severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Chronic inhalation exposure is linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and, for certain agents, increased cancer risk. Systemic effects can arise from substances absorbed into the bloodstream.

Measurement and prevention

Exposure is assessed through environmental monitoring and, when appropriate, biological monitoring. Prevention emphasizes engineering controls, ventilation, enclosure of processes, and personal protective equipment, guided by occupational safety regulations and exposure limits.

See also: Inhalation, Respiratory exposure, Air pollution, Occupational safety.