Soot Pollution and Pathological Implications

Carbon-based soot, a black particulate material, is produced when fossil fuels burn partially. Soot is seen as an unwelcome byproduct that results from the insufficient combustion of carbon-containing compounds. The environment is affected by the deposition of soot in water, air and soil. These environmental components serves as a means of exposure to man although, the effect of water and soil exposure are poorly studied. This reviewed has also shown that three pathological conditions may occur as a result of soot exposure; they include- respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Poly aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) was reported as carcinogenic substance in soot that causes cancer. Direct contact-mediated lung cell failure and immune response involvement that results in cellular proliferation and fibrosis have been proposed as the mechanisms underlying respiratory illness. Inflammation of myocardiac tissues was considered the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in soot exposure individuals. Treatment options were based on the mechanism of soot pathology. Based on existing literatures, this review has demonstrated that soot polluted environment can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorder.