04.05.2026 00:16
Pulmonology Specialist Dr. Melahat Bekir Külah warned that many factors, from cigarette smoke to poorly maintained air conditioners, from drying laundry indoors to heavy chemical use, can cause permanent damage to the lungs.
Lung health is directly affected not only by infections but also by environmental factors encountered in daily life.
NEGATIVE FACTORS ARE NOT ONLY VIRUSES AND BACTERIA
Emphasizing that the lungs are one of the vital organs of the body, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Melahat Bekir Külah stated that basic vital functions such as oxygen intake and removal of carbon dioxide from the body are carried out by the lungs.
Dr. Külah, who noted that both healthy individuals and those with respiratory diseases should be conscious about lung health, expressed that not only viruses and bacteria, but also many unnoticed environmental factors in daily life negatively affect the lungs.
"CIGARETTE SMOKE AND PASSIVE SMOKING ARE MAJOR RISKS"
Dr. Külah stated that exposure to cigarette smoke, whether through active or passive smoking, causes serious damage to the airways, adding, “Cigarette smoke paves the way for the development of chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD. On the other hand, failure to regularly maintain and clean the filters of air conditioners, which are heavily used in summer, also creates serious health problems. Moreover, if proper humidity levels are not maintained, lung diseases related to dust and mold fungi may emerge. Inadequate ventilation of indoor environments causes viruses, bacteria, dust, and chemicals to reach the respiratory tract more easily.”
"DRYING LAUNDRY INDOORS INCREASES MOLD RISK"
Dr. Külah stated that drying laundry indoors increases humidity levels, paving the way for mold formation, and noted that invisible mold spores can reach the lungs through respiration, causing serious infections. Dr. Külah emphasized that uncontrolled use of bleach, hydrochloric acid, and strong detergents can cause irritation in the lungs, and these substances can trigger flare-ups, especially in allergy and asthma patients.
"INSUFFICIENT WATER CONSUMPTION WEAKENS LUNGS"
Dr. Külah said, “Daily adequate water consumption is of great importance for lung health. Water makes the mucus in the bronchi more fluid, keeping the respiratory tract moist and reducing the risk of infection. However, when enough water is not consumed, mucus thickens, dryness in the respiratory tract increases, and this raises the risk of infection. Additionally, people working in dusty environments must use protective equipment; otherwise, occupational lung diseases may occur. Regular exercise also increases lung capacity, while a sedentary lifestyle leads to capacity loss. Therefore, we recommend walking at least 40 minutes a day.”