Question

3) Using a specific pollutant for inhalation exposure, explain how much of the potential dose would get into the alveolar region of the lung and why? Note: answers should be quantitative (e.g. 40%, half, etc. )

Answer 1

The alveolar air is always renewed constantly. During normal breathing , the renewal os slow.

The tidal volume is 500 ml. Only 350 ml us entering to alveolar space . 150 ml is remaining which is called dead space air .  

So the amount of alveolar air is replaced by new air from the atmosphere . That's only about the 70 percentage of the total alveolar air.

Thus ,   

Alveolar air = 350/500 × 100 = 70%

Hence , the 70 percentage of the pollutant mixed in the atmospheric air will enter to the alveolar gas .