Effects of particulate air pollution on asthmatics

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.73.1.50· OSTI ID:6295732

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

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 (micrograms/m3) of inhaled particulate matter (total mass, sulfates, and nitrates) for coarse (2.5--15 micrograms in aerodynamic diameter) and fine fractions (less than 2.5 micrometers). 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 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.

• Research Organization: Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 6295732
• Journal Information: Am. J. Public Health; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Public Health; (United States) Vol. 73:1; ISSN AJHEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
ASTHMA
BODY
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
COLLOIDS
COLORADO
DISEASES
DISPERSIONS
DYNAMIC FUNCTION STUDIES
FEDERAL REGION VIII
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LUNGS
MONITORING
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
PATIENTS
POLLUTION
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SENSITIVITY
SOLS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
USA