Arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid, primarily originates from both natural and anthropogenic activities. Reports suggested that millions of people globally exposed to high levels of naturally occurring As compounds via inhalation and ingestion. There is evidence that As is a well-known lung carcinogen. However, there has been relatively little evidence suggesting its non-malignant lung effects. This review comprehensively summarises current experimental and clinical studies implicating the association of As exposure and the development of several non-malignant lung diseases. Experimental studies provided evidence that As exposure induces redox imbalance, apoptosis, inflammatory response, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and affected normal lung development through alteration of the components of intracellular signaling cascades. In addition, we also discuss the sources and possible mechanisms of As influx and efflux in the lung. Finally, current experimental studies on treatment strategies using phytochemicals and our perspective on future research with As are also discussed.

砷 (As) 是一种有毒的类金属，主要来源于自然活动和人为活动。报告表明，全球数百万人通过吸入和摄入接触到高水平的天然 As 化合物。有证据表明，As 是一种众所周知的肺癌致癌物。然而，相对较少的证据表明其对肺的非恶性影响。本综述全面总结了当前的实验和临床研究，这些研究表明砷暴露与几种非恶性肺部疾病的发展有关。实验研究提供的证据表明，As 暴露诱导氧化还原失衡、细胞凋亡、炎症反应、上皮间质转化 (EMT)，并通过改变细胞内信号级联的成分影响正常肺发育。此外，我们还讨论了砷在肺内流入和流出的来源和可能的机制。最后，还讨论了当前关于使用植物化学物质的处理策略的实验研究以及我们对未来研究 As 的看法。