Are the lungs able to filter out some harmful pollutants and/or chemicals and if so, how?
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Yes, mucous/phlegm and small hairs help move contaminants up to the throat where they get swallowed. One reason asbestos particles are dangerous is because they’re too small and sharp to get removed.
And the cleaning only works to a small degree. Habitual smokers lungs will still contain lots of residue.
Mucus is the main way the body filters stuff out like that. The idea is that it’s sticky and can catch bacteria and dust. That’s pretty much all we have, but lone molecules in the air really can’t be stopped, and even if there is a dangerous particulate in the air you shouldn’t count on the mucus to stop it. If it’s in your mucus, it will likely be digested by your body rather than inhaled.
Long story short, don’t count on your body to filter out abnormal conditions in the air. Wear the proper equipment to keep yourself safe.
Lungs are able to do some filtration by catching particles in mucus. But it depends on the size of the particle. 2.5 microns, which is what my air quality is being measured in, as I hide from the pollution of climate change wildfires outside, is too small to be filtered out effectively. As someone else mentioned, things like asbestos are also too small to be filtered out.
The lungs are the last place for filtration, though. Your whole respiratory tract has opportunities to filter particles out and get rid of them through coughing or sneezing.
The first line of defence is in your nose, which is why it’s recommended to breathe through your nose rather thann your mouth. small hairs called cilia, as well as nasal mucus, can trap particles before getting close to your lungs.
Editing to add that, like any filter, it only works for a certain degree, and it needs to be cleaned regularly and not overly taxed. Masks, air filters, and avoiding contaminants are all more effective than your body at protecting your lungs from harm.
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