Environmental Substances Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-A Scoping Review

Emphysema-related mortality rates in the U.S. from 1999 to 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary emphysema is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms that are a result of destruction to the alveoli wall and enlargement of distal airspaces. Despite initiatives made to create awareness about the dangers of smoking, and a nationwide reduction in cigarette smoking, emphysema (COPD) is still the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Methods

This study utilized the CDC WONDER national database to investigate the trends in emphysema-related mortality in the United States. Age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 people (AAMR), annual percentage change (APC), and average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used to determine mortality trends between 1999 and 2022. Data extracted for analysis in this study includes gender, race/ethnicity, age groups, regions, states, and urban/rural classification.

Results

From 1999 to 2022, there were 526,545 deaths due to emphysema in the United States. Overall age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) in the United States decreased from 18.47 in 1999 to 7.75 in 2022, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -3.698. Emphysema caused 296,859 deaths in males and 229,686 in females in the United States. White populations had the highest AAMR over this period and the largest reduction in AAMR. AAMRs were initially highest in urban areas compared to rural regions. 85 + years had the highest crude mortality rate of 123.11 in 1999.

Discussion

Emphysema-related deaths in the United States decreased overall between 1999 and 2022, likely a result of a greater emphasis on health education concerning the significant dangers of smoking and policy changes that made cigarettes less accessible and less affordable, and more available access to resources and support networks.

Conclusion

It is important to address possible health disparities that exist among populations and improve healthcare outcomes and resource allocation among all population groups.

Mapping the Global distribution, risk factors, and temporal trends of COPD incidence and mortality (1990-2021): ecological analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains a significant global public health challenge, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aims to analyze global trends in COPD from 1990 to 2021, with a focus on age, sex, and regional variations. By assessing the global burden of COPD and its association with key risk factors, this research provides critical insights into progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and underscores the urgent need to prioritize COPD in public health agendas.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, this research conducted a comprehensive ecological analysis of COPD epidemiology from 1990 to 2021. Key measures included incidence, mortality, and age-standardized rates, alongside an examination of risk factors such as smoking and ambient particulate matter pollution, quantified using country-level summary exposure values (SEV). Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis, annual rate of change (ARC), and correlation analysis, were applied to assess the burden of COPD and investigate its ecological associations with major risk factors.

RESULTS

In 2021, COPD accounted for 16.90 million new cases and 3.70 million deaths globally. The age-standardized incidence rate was 197.37 (95% UI: 181.6-213.42) per 100,000 person-years, while the age-standardized mortality rate was 45.22 (95% UI: 40.61-49.70) per 100,000 person-years. Although global COPD incidence rates declined by 2% from 1990 to 2021, the pace and extent of this decline varied, with some age groups, sexes, and regions experiencing slower reductions or even increases. Higher COPD burden was observed in areas with elevated smoking prevalence, air pollution and greater socioeconomic development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the ongoing global burden of COPD and its varying trends from 1990 to 2021 across age groups, sexes, and regions. While incidence and mortality rates have slightly declined, disparities persist, particularly among older adults, men, and regions with higher smoking prevalence and air pollution. These findings emphasize the urgent need to integrate COPD into public health priorities, focusing on targeted interventions to reduce key risk factors. Sustained efforts are essential to achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving global COPD outcomes.

Changes in Hospital Admissions of Patients with COPD in Poland: A 14-Year Nationwide Analysis (2006-2019)

Poland is a country with a high burden of COPD and its risk factors. This population-wide and geospatial study on COPD in Poland, aimed to analyze changes in hospitalizations of patients with a diagnosis of COPD between 2006 and 2019 as well as to identify changes in the demographic characteristics of patients hospitalized with COPD. This is a retrospective analysis of hospital discharge records of patients with a diagnosis of COPD (ICD-10 code J44 and age 40 and over), hospitalized in Poland between 2006 and 2019. Data were analyzed separately for all patients hospitalized with COPD (primary and secondary diagnosis), for patients admitted due to COPD (primary diagnosis) and patients hospitalized with COPD as a comorbidity (secondary diagnosis). Between 2006 and 2019, a total of 1,663,420 hospital admissions of patients with COPD were reported. Between 2006 and 2019, the annual number of patients hospitalized due to COPD decreased by 53.8%, including 57.3% among men and 46.6% among women. The number of patients hospitalized with COPD as comorbidity increased by 35.8%. The lowest hospital admissions rate was in north-western Poland and the highest in north-eastern Poland. Among patients admitted due to COPD, the percentage of women increased from 32.6% to 37.7%. The percentage of patients admitted due to COPD and living in rural areas decreased from 51.2% in 2006 to 40.8%in 2019. This study provided data on changes in sociodemographic characteristics of hospitalizations of patients with a diagnosis of COPD, including overall reduction in COPD admissions but an increase in COPD burden among women.

Interaction between CD244 and SHP2 regulates inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via targeting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

This study delved into the interplay between CD244 and Src Homology 2 Domain Containing Phosphatase-2 (SHP2) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis, focusing on apoptosis and inflammation in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Analysis of the GSE100153 dataset identified 290 up-regulated and 344 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) highlighted the turquoise module had the highest correlation with COPD samples. Functional enrichment analysis linked these DEGs to critical COPD processes and pathways like neutrophil degranulation, protein kinase B activity, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Observations on CD244 expression revealed its upregulation with increasing CSE concentrations, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship with inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α). CD244 knockdown mitigated CSE-induced apoptosis and inflammation, while overexpression exacerbated these responses. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) confirmed the physical interaction between CD244 and SHP2, emphasizing their regulatory connection. Analysis of Concurrently, the Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways showed that modulating CD244 expression impacted key pathway components (p-JNK, p-IKKβ, p-ERK, p-P38, p-lkBα, p-P65), an effect reversed upon SHP2 knockdown. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the CD244/SHP2 axis in regulating inflammatory and apoptotic responses in CSE-exposed HBE cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target in COPD treatment strategies.

Immunoactive signatures of circulating tRNA- and rRNA-derived RNAs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent lung disease, and macrophages play a central role in the inflammatory response in COPD. We here report a comprehensive characterization of circulating short non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in plasma from patients with COPD. While circulating sncRNAs are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles and biomarker potential in various diseases, the conventional RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) method cannot fully capture these circulating sncRNAs due to their heterogeneous terminal structures. By pre-treating the plasma RNAs with T4 polynucleotide kinase, which converts all RNAs to those with RNA-seq susceptible ends (5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl), we comprehensively sequenced a wide variety of non-microRNA sncRNAs, such as 5'-tRNA halves containing a 2',3'-cyclic phosphate. We discovered a remarkable accumulation of the 5'-half derived from tRNAValCAC in plasma from COPD patients, whereas the 5'-tRNAGlyGCC half is predominant in healthy donors. Further, the 5'-tRNAValCAC half activates human macrophages via Toll-like receptor 7 and induces cytokine production. Additionally, we identified circulating rRNA-derived fragments that were upregulated in COPD patients and demonstrated their ability to induce cytokine production in macrophages. Our findings provide evidence of circulating, immune-active sncRNAs in patients with COPD, suggesting that they serve as inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Environmental contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and contribution from biomonitoring studies to the surveillance of global health

This work presents an integrated overview of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' (PAHs) ubiquity comprising environmental contamination in the air, aquatic ecosystems, and soils; characterizes the contamination in biota; and identifies main biomonitors and human exposure to PAHs and associated health risks. Urban centers and industrial areas present increased concentrations in the air (1344.4-12,300 versus 0.03-0.60 ng/m3 in industrial/urban and rural zones) and soils (0.14-1.77 × 106 versus 2.00-9.04 × 103 versus 1.59-5.87 × 103 ng/g in urban, forest, and rural soils), respectively. Increased concentrations were found in coastal zones and superficial waters as well as in sediments (7.00 × 104-1.00 × 109 ng/g). Benzo(a)pyrene, a carcinogenic PAH, was found in all environmental media. Mosses, lichens, tree leaves, bivalves, cephalopods, terrestrials' snails, and honeybees are good biomonitors of biota contamination. More studies are needed to improve characterization of PAHs' levels, distribution, and bioaccumulation in the environmental media and assess the associated risks for biota and human health. Actions and strategies to mitigate and prevent the bioaccumulation of PAHs in the environment and trophic chains toward the WHO's One-Health Perspective to promote the health of all ecosystems and human life are urgently needed.

Exploring the Exposome Spectrum: Unveiling Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases

The exposome encompasses all endogenous and exogenous exposure individuals encounter throughout their lives, including biological, chemical, physical, psychological, relational, and socioeconomic factors. It examines the duration and intensity of these types of exposure and their complex interactions over time. This interdisciplinary approach involves various scientific disciplines, particularly toxicology, to understand the long-term effects of toxic exposure on health. Factors like air pollution, racial background, and socioeconomic status significantly contribute to diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, and cancer. Advanced analytical methods measure contaminants in biofluids, food, air, water, and soil, but often overlook the cumulative risk of multiple chemicals. An exposome analysis necessitates sophisticated tools and methodologies to understand health interactions and integrate findings into precision medicine for better disease diagnosis and treatment. Chronic exposure to environmental and biological stimuli can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and depression. These NCDs are influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol abuse, all shaped by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Dietary patterns, especially ultra-processed foods, can exacerbate inflammation and alter gut microbiota. This study investigates the exposome's role in the prevention, development, and progression of NCDs, focusing on endogenous and exogenous factors.

Pulmonary function assessment among conventional and organic cotton farmers exposed to pesticides in the Central-West region of Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Respiratory diseases have been associated with the exposure of populations to some environmental pollutants such as pesticides. To assess effects of pesticides on farmers' respiratory health, this study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary function of cotton farmers exposed to synthetic and natural pesticides in the Central-West region of Burkina Faso.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2022 among 281 conventional and 189 organic cotton farmers. After collecting information on pesticide use conditions, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed on each farmer according to the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines, in order to assess chronic respiratory effects among cotton producers. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with the occurrence of ventilatory changes.

RESULTS

Both conventional and organic cotton farmers reported similar chronic respiratory symptoms in different proportions. The main reported were rhinitis (54.45% conventional vs. 34.92% organic), chest pains (41.28% conventional vs. 23.81% organic), cough (33.45% conventional, 24.34% organic), breathlessness (31.67% conventional, 4.23% organic) (p<0.05). 16.18% and 27.50% of conventional male and female cotton farmers, respectively, had a restrictive defect. Among organic cotton farmers, 15.85% and 18.69%, respectively, of males and females had a restrictive defect. Furthermore, a significant increase in the predicted average percentage of FEV1/FVC ratio was observed among organic cotton farmers after salbutamol's use (p = 0.039). The type of cultivated cotton was not associated with ventilatory changes neither in the univariate analysis, nor in the multivariate analysis. Other factors such as farmers' age, BMI and insecticides use frequency per year were also important. Farmers who used insecticides more than 6 times per season had an increased risk of developing an obstructive defect (OR = 1.603; 95%CI: 0.484-5.309) compared to those who used them 6 times or less.

CONCLUSION

Chronic respiratory signs and ventilatory impairments were found among conventional and, to our knowledge, for the first time among organic cotton producers. However, these health effects were more prevalent among conventional cotton farmers than organic ones.

Immunoactive signatures of circulating tRNA- and rRNA-derived RNAs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent lung disease, and macrophages play a central role in the inflammatory response in COPD. We here report a comprehensive characterization of circulating short non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in plasma from patients with COPD. While circulating sncRNAs are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles and biomarker potential in various diseases, the conventional RNA-seq method cannot fully capture these circulating sncRNAs due to their heterogeneous terminal structures. By pre-treating the plasma RNAs with T4 polynucleotide kinase, which converts all RNAs to those with RNA-seq susceptible ends (5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl), we comprehensively sequenced a wide variety of non-microRNA sncRNAs, such as 5'-tRNA halves containing a 2',3'-cyclic phosphate. We discovered a remarkable accumulation of the 5'-half derived from tRNA ValCAC in plasma from COPD patients, whereas the 5'-tRNA GlyGCC half is predominant in healthy donors. Further, the 5'-tRNA ValCAC half activates human macrophages via Toll-like receptor 7 and induces cytokine production. Additionally, we identified circulating rRNA-derived fragments that were upregulated in COPD patients and demonstrated their ability to induce cytokine production in macrophages. Our findings provide evidence of circulating, immune-active sncRNAs in patients with COPD, suggesting that they serve as inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Environmental Exposure and Respiratory Health: Unraveling the Impact of Toxic Release Inventory Facilities on COPD Prevalence

This cross-sectional geospatial analysis explores the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) concerning the proximity to toxic release inventory (TRI) facilities in Jefferson County, Alabama. Employing the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), the study evaluates COPD prevalence, comorbidities, healthcare access, and individual health assessments. Given the mounting evidence linking environmental pollutants to COPD exacerbations, the research probes the influence of TRI sites on respiratory health, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to scrutinize the geospatial vulnerability of communities neighboring TRI sites. Socio-demographic disparities, economic conditions, and air pollution are emphasized in the analysis. The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory serves as the cornerstone for assessing the association between TRI proximity and COPD prevalence. The analysis uncovers a notable inverse correlation between distance from TRI sites and COPD prevalence, signaling potential health risks for populations residing closer to these facilities. Moreover, factors such as minority status, low income, and air pollution are associated with higher COPD prevalence, underscoring the imperative of comprehending the interplay between environmental exposure and respiratory health. This study bridges gaps in the literature by addressing the geographical nexus between COPD prevalence and pollution exposure. By leveraging FAHP, the research furnishes a holistic understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing vulnerability to COPD. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted public health interventions and policy measures to redress environmental disparities and alleviate the repercussions of TRI facilities on respiratory health.

Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Potential Implications for Stroke Risk via the Gut- and Lung-Brain Axis

Recent evidence indicates that exposure to environmental toxins, both short-term and long-term, can increase the risk of developing neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer's disease and other dementias) and acute brain injury (i.e., stroke). For stroke, the latest systematic analysis revealed that exposure to ambient particulate matter is the second most frequent stroke risk after high blood pressure. However, preclinical and clinical stroke investigations on the deleterious consequences of environmental pollutants are scarce. This review examines recent evidence of how environmental toxins, absorbed along the digestive tract or inhaled through the lungs, affect the host cellular response. We particularly address the consequences of environmental toxins on the immune response and the microbiome at the gut and lung barrier sites. Additionally, this review highlights findings showing the potential contribution of environmental toxins to an increased risk of stroke. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying exposure to environmental toxins has the potential to mitigate stroke risk and other neurological disorders.

A review on the potential risks and mechanisms of heavy metal exposure to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that affects patients as well as the health and economic stability of society as a whole. At the same time, heavy metal pollution is widely recognized as having a possible impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, these diseases have become important global public health issues. In recent years, researchers have shown great interest in the potential association between heavy metal exposure and the development of COPD, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of related studies. However, we still face the challenge of developing a comprehensive and integrated understanding of this complex association. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the existing epidemiological studies to clarify the association between heavy metal exposure and COPD. In addition, we will discuss the biological mechanisms between the two to better understand the multiple molecular pathways and possible mechanisms of action involved, and provide additional insights for the subsequent identification of potential strategies to prevent and control the effects of heavy metal exposure on the development of COPD in individuals and populations.

Meta-analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data for depicting the transcriptomic landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation and chronic inflammation of the lungs that is a leading cause of death worldwide. Since the complete pathological mechanisms at the single-cell level are not fully understood yet, an integrative approach to characterizing the single-cell-resolution landscape of COPD is required. To identify the cell types and mechanisms associated with the development of COPD, we conducted a meta-analysis using three single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of COPD. Among the 154,011 cells from 16 COPD patients and 18 healthy subjects, 17 distinct cell types were observed. Of the 17 cell types, monocytes, mast cells, and alveolar type 2 cells (AT2 cells) were found to be etiologically implicated in COPD based on genetic and transcriptomic features. The most transcriptomically diversified states of the three etiological cell types showed significant enrichment in immune/inflammatory responses (monocytes and mast cells) and/or mitochondrial dysfunction (monocytes and AT2 cells). We then identified three chemical candidates that may potentially induce COPD by modulating gene expression patterns in the three etiological cell types. Overall, our study suggests the single-cell level mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of COPD and may provide information on toxic compounds that could be potential risk factors for COPD.

HPLC Analysis and Risk Assessment of 15 Priority PAHs in Human Blood Serum of COPD Patient from Urban and Rural Areas, Iasi (Romania)

One of the leading risk factors for environmental health problems is air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that this risk factor is associated with one of every nine deaths worldwide. Epidemiological studies conducted in this field have shown a solid connection between respiratory pathology and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. COPD and asthma are respiratory diseases that were shown to have a strong association with exposure to PAHs. The purpose of the present study was to assess the serum levels of 15 PAHs in 102 COPD patients and to evaluate the results according to the residence environment of the investigated subjects. Analyses were carried out using a high-performance liquid chromatograph Nexera X2-Shimadzu Japan, which was equipped with an LC-30AD pump and an SIL-30AC autosampler. Spiked matrices, procedure blanks, spiked controls, and calibration standards in the acetonitrile were used as quality-assurance samples. Benzo(a)pyrene is the main representative of PAHs and was determined in higher concentrations in subjects with COPD versus the control group from the urban area (0.90/0.47 ng/mL) and rural area (0.73/0.44 ng/mL). The values obtained for the Benzo(a)pyrene-equivalent factor indicate a higher carcinogenic potential for patients diagnosed with COPD in urban areas compared to those in rural areas. These results could be due to traffic and vehicle emissions. This research identifies the need for legislative action to decrease semi-volatile organic compounds, especially PAHs, mainly in urban cities, in order to improve environmental management and health conditions.

Long-term cadmium exposure induces chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like lung lesions in a mouse model

Accumulating evidences demonstrate that long-term exposure to atmospheric fine particles and air pollutants elevates the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cadmium (Cd) is one of the important toxic substances in atmospheric fine particles and air pollutants. In this study, we aimed to establish a mouse model to evaluate whether respiratory Cd exposure induces COPD-like lung injury. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CdCl₂ (10 mg/L, 4 h per day) by inhaling aerosol for either 10 weeks (short-term) or 6 months (long-term). The mean serum Cd concentration was 6.26 μg/L in Cd-exposed mice. Lung weight and coefficient were elevated in long-term Cd-exposed mice. Pathological scores and alveolar destructive indices were increased in long-term Cd-exposed mouse lungs. Mean linear intercept and airway wall thickness were accordingly elevated in Cd-exposed mice. Inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious and inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TGF-β, were up-regulated in Cd-exposed mouse lungs. α-SMA, N-cadherin and vimentin, epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, and extracellular matrix collagen deposition around small airway, determined by Masson's trichrome staining, were shown in Cd-exposed mouse lungs. COPD-characteristic lung function decline was observed in long-term Cd-exposed mice. These outcomes show that long-term respiratory exposure to Cd induces COPD-like lung lesions for the first time.

Effect of Gestational Pesticide Exposure on the Child's Respiratory System: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, concern has arisen worldwide about the potential adverse effects that could result from early-life exposure to pesticides. Asthma, bronchitis, and persistent cough in children have been linked to gestational exposure to pesticides. The respiratory effects of gestational exposure to pesticides are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pesticide exposure in pregnant women and its effect on the respiratory system of their children.

METHODS

A narrative review was carried out by means of a search in the main databases.

RESULTS

Findings of studies confirmed the effects of pesticides on the child's health. These substances cross the placenta and become transmitters of exposure to the individual at the most sensitive stage of her development.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic exposure to pesticides in fetuses is associated with chronic respiratory symptoms and disease.

Metal Exposure, Smoking, and the Risk of COPD: A Nested Case-Control Study in a Chinese Occupational Population

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2019, with a significant disease burden. We conducted a nested case-control study using data from the China Metal-Exposed Workers Cohort Study (Jinchang Cohort) and assessed the associations of exposure to metals and tobacco smoking with the risk of COPD. We used the logistic regression model and the interaction multiplication model to assess the independent and combined effects of heavy metal and smoke exposure on COPD. The cumulative incidence of COPD was 1.04% in 21,560 participants during a median of two years of follow-up. The risk of COPD was significantly elevated with an increase in the amount of tobacco smoked daily (p < 0.05), the number of years of smoking (p_trend < 0.05), and the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per year (p_trend < 0.01). Compared with the low metal exposure group, the adjusted OR was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.85-1.76) in the medium exposure group (mining/production workers) and 1.50 (95% CI: 1.03-2.18) in the high exposure group; smoking and metal exposure had a combined effect on the incidence of COPD (p_interaction < 0.01), with an OR of 4.60 for those with >40 pack-years of smoking who also had the highest metal exposures. Both exposures to metals and smoking were associated with the risk of COPD, and there was an interaction between the two exposures for the risk of COPD.

Inflammation resolution in environmental pulmonary health and morbidity

Inflammation and resolution are dynamic processes comprised of inflammatory activation and neutrophil influx, followed by mediator catabolism and efferocytosis. These critical pathways ensure a return to homeostasis and promote repair. Over the past decade research has shown that diverse mediators play a role in the active process of resolution. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), biosynthesized from fatty acids, are released during inflammation to facilitate resolution and are deficient in a variety of lung disorders. Failed resolution results in remodeling and cellular deposition through pro-fibrotic myofibroblast expansion that irreversibly narrows the airways and worsens lung function. Recent studies indicate environmental exposures may perturb and deregulate critical resolution pathways. Environmental xenobiotics induce lung inflammation and generate reactive metabolites that promote oxidative stress, injuring the respiratory mucosa and impairing gas-exchange. This warrants recognition of xenobiotic associated molecular patterns (XAMPs) as new signals in the field of inflammation biology, as many environmental chemicals generate free radicals capable of initiating the inflammatory response. Recent studies suggest that unresolved, persistent inflammation impacts both resolution pathways and endogenous regulatory mediators, compromising lung function, which over time can progress to chronic lung disease. Chronic ozone (O3) exposure overwhelms successful resolution, and in susceptible individuals promotes asthma onset. The industrial contaminant cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulates in the lung to impair resolution, and recurrent inflammation can result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Persistent particulate matter (PM) exposure increases systemic cardiopulmonary inflammation, which reduces lung function and can exacerbate asthma, COPD, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). While recurrent inflammation underlies environmentally induced pulmonary morbidity and may drive the disease process, our understanding of inflammation resolution in this context is limited. This review aims to explore inflammation resolution biology and its role in chronic environmental lung disease(s).