How your lungs work

About your lungs

Find out how your lungs work, including how you breathe and how oxygen gets into your blood. We also explain how your lungs grow and what you can do to protect them.

Woman playing the harmonica

How your lungs work

On this page, we explain what your lungs do and how your respiratory system works to help you breathe.
Child blowing a dandelion clock

How children’s lungs grow

Find out how lungs develop in the womb and how they continue to grow after birth and through childhood.
Child wearing a face mask in the street

Risks to your child's lungs

Find out about early risks to your child’s lungs, the dangers of passive smoking and air pollution, as well as how you can reduce the risks.
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