Lung function and bronchial reactivity in asthmatics during exposure to volatile organic compounds
- Univ. Hospital of Aarhus (Denmark)
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether vapors of organic solvents at low concentrations could exert an adverse effect in the lower airways. Under controlled conditions in a climate chamber, 11 persons with bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine and bronchial asthma were exposed for 90 min to a mixture of organic solvents at levels of zero, 2.5, and 25 mg/m3. During exposure to 25 mg/m3 a decrease in FEV1 to 90.7% of baseline value was measured. This was significantly different from the initial value (p less than 0.05), but not significantly different from the value found after sham exposure (FEV1, 97.4% of initial value). The decline in FEV1 during exposure to 25 mg/m3 was most pronounced in persons with high bronchial sensitivity. No changes were found in histamine reactivity after exposure, and no late reactions were registered. Ratings of discomfort showed different individual patterns ranging from no response to reactions towards both of the concentrations. The ratings indicated development of tolerance during exposure. Volatile organic compounds in concentrations found in both the work and the home environments may influence lung function and are probably of importance as bronchial irritants.
- OSTI ID:
- 5573490
- Journal Information:
- American Review of Respiratory Disease (New York); (USA), Journal Name: American Review of Respiratory Disease (New York); (USA) Vol. 143:4 Pt 1; ISSN ARDSB; ISSN 0003-0805
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Ozone-induced changes in pulmonary function and bronchial responsiveness in asthmatics
Bronchial hyperirritability in healthy subjects after exposure to ozone
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AMINES
ANIMALS
ASTHMA
AZOLES
BODY
DISEASES
EXPOSURE CHAMBERS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
HISTAMINE
IMIDAZOLES
INHALATION
INTAKE
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATTER
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
ORGANS
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SENSITIVITY
SOLVENTS
TOXICITY
VASOCONSTRICTION
VERTEBRATES
VOLATILE MATTER