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Your nose, mouth, and throat: Dust, fumes, mist, smoke, fog, and other particles can damage your upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, and throat). Symptoms you may notice include hoarseness, burning, and congestion. If you're exposed to the hazards over time, you may develop long-term problems throughout the upper respiratory tract.
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Your lungs: Some particles in the air are too fine to be filtered out by your body's natural defenses. If these substances reach your lungs, they may become lodged in the tissue. This can cause health problems, including bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or even cancer.
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Your whole body: Gases, vapors, fumes, and other hazards can easily get past your body's natural defenses. Once they reach your lungs, they can be absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, they travel to other parts of your body. Your brain, heart, and reproductive organs can be harmed by these hazards. Lack of oxygen also causes serious problems throughout your body. An oxygen deficiency can quickly damage your heart and brain, and it may even cause death.