Air pollution and asthma: clinical studies with sulfuric acid aerosols

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · Allergy Proceedings; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2500/108854191779114284· OSTI ID:5441052

Utell, M J; Frampton, M W; Morrow, P E ^[1]

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1. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY (United States)

Until recently, acid deposition has been widely considered a serious ecological problem but not a threat to human health. The controlled clinical study is an important approach in linking acidic aerosol inhalation with respiratory effects. Asthmatic patients represent a subpopulation most responsive to sulfuric acid aerosols. In a series of studies with asthmatic volunteers, several factors have been identified that may modulate the intensity of the bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled acidic aerosols. We found (1) enhancement of the bronchoconstrictor response during exercise, (2) the more acidic aerosols provoke the greatest changes in lung function, and (3) mitigation of airway responses during sulfuric acid aerosol inhalation caused by high respiratory ammonia concentrations. Additional factors influencing responsiveness await identification.

• OSTI ID: 5441052
• Journal Information: Allergy Proceedings; (United States), Vol. 12:6; ISSN 1046-9354
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
LUNGS
SENSITIVITY
SULFURIC ACID
TOXICITY
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
ASTHMA
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