Scientists find unusual build-up of soot-like particles in lung cells of COPD patients

Cells taken from the lungs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a larger accumulation of soot-like carbon deposits compared to cells taken from people who smoke but do not have COPD, according to a study published in ERJ Open Research. Carbon can enter the lungs via cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust and polluted air.