Computational Analysis of the Particles Matter in the Respiratory Tract of Children

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy air causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases worldwide, moreover, children are particularly susceptible and vulnerable due to their accelerated metabolism, biological development among other factors. In this work, particle transport and deposition pattern were analyzed using a three-dimensional model of the trachea and bronchi of a child under inhalation condition. The phenomenon is computationally modeling employing fluid-dynamic laws coupled with particle theory to study the two-phase flow. The understanding of inhalation and transport phenomena of toxic particles from 0.5 to 10 μ m of diameter through the human respiratory system is also important for investigations into dosimetry and respiratory health effects. From the results it is found that a higher number of particles are deposited at the bifurcation junctions for particles with 5 μ m of diameter or higher because of the inertial effect and the shape of the bronchial branching, meanwhile the smaller particles are slightly more randomly attached to the inner walls of the bronchial system. In addition, the heavy particles tended to go to the lower bronchi, as fewer particles circulate to the aligned bronchi against gravity. The results obtained allow us to increase the knowledge of the affectation of the broncho-pulmonary system in young people and children due to air pollutants.