Effects of particulate air pollution on asthmatics

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Am. J. Public Health Nation's Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.73.1.50· OSTI ID:5638490

Perry, G B ^[1]; Chai, H; Dickey, D W; Jones, R H; Kinsman, R A; Morrill, C G; Spector, S L; Weiser, P C

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1. Univ. of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver

Twenty-four asthmatic subjects in Denver were followed from January through March 1979, a three-month period in which Denver air pollution levels are generally high and variable. Dichotomous, virtual impactor samplers provided daily measurements (..mu..g/m/sup 3/) of inhaled particulate matter (total mass, sulfates, and nitrates) for coarse (2.5-15 ..mu..m in aerodynamic diameter) and fine fractions (<2.5 ..mu..m). Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, temperature, and barometric pressure were also measured. Twice daily measurements of each subject's peak expiratory flow rates, use of as-needed aerosolized bronchodilators, and report of airways obstruction symptoms characteristic of asthma were tested for relationships to air pollutants using a random effects model across subjects. During the time period actually observed, there were very few days in which high levels of suspended particulates were recorded. Of the environmental variables studied, only fine nitrates were associated with increased symptom reports and increased aerosolized bronchodilator usage.

• OSTI ID: 5638490
• Journal Information: Am. J. Public Health Nation's Health; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Public Health Nation's Health; (United States) Vol. 73:1; ISSN AJPEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism &amp; Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ASTHMA
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
DISEASES
INHALATION
INTAKE
MONITORING
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATIENTS
POLLUTION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SENSITIVITY
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT