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Controlled exposures of human volunteers to sulfate aerosols. Health effects and aerosol characterization

Journal Article · · Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5930302

A study of possible acute adverse health effects of sulfate aerosols was undertaken through controlled exposures of volunteer human subjects. Both healthy and asthmatic adult men were exposed for 2-hour periods (with intermittent exercise) to ammonium sulfate, ammonium bisulfate, and sulfuric acid of particle size distributions and concentrations intended to simulate worst case exposures during Los Angeles smog episodes. Lung function tests were performed by the subjects on entering and before exiting from a carefully controlled environmental chamber. Subject symptoms were evaluated in a standardized manner. Aerosol concentrations and size distributions were determined by an on-line computer/aerometric monitoring system; gravimetric and chemical analyses were performed on impactor and total filter samples after test exposures. Little or no evidence of adverse health effects was found from 2-hour multiple-day exposures to any of the compounds at worst case ambient concentrations.

Research Organization:
Environmental Health Service, Downey, CA
OSTI ID:
5930302
Journal Information:
Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.; (United States) Vol. 120:2; ISSN ARRDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English