Water-related lung diseases

Abstract

A variety of water sources can act as reservoirs and vectors for contaminants associated with acute and chronic lung diseases. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols is the most important route of exposure leading to water-related lung disease. However, dermal absorption, disseminated marine-acquired wound infections, and ingestion or aspiration of water containing harmful contaminants have been associated with pulmonary disease as well. This article discusses these routes of infection and describes the infectious and noninfectious lung diseases associated with exposure to water.