Air pollution and pulmonary function

Abstract

Rationale Recent studies have attempted to demonstrate a correlation between pollutants in the air and pulmonary function. Some studies have reported ozone and particulate matter to induce airway inflammation, but others suggest that known pollutants such as ozone do not affect spirometric measurements. Methods In the summers of 2002 and 2003, the Galveston Beach Patrol lifeguards were recruited to have their pulmonary functions recorded at three different times during the day. We obtained data on temperature, ozone, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter from regulated sites in Galveston. The participants were required to complete daily surveys pertaining to their health, cigarette smoke exposure, and medication use. Results In 2002, 45 participants between ages 16 and 27 completed the study. 13% reported a history of asthma, 39% reported smoke exposure, 44% reported having a recent respiratory illness, and less than 1% reported using asthma medications at any time during the study. We found a statistically significant reduction in FEV1 and FVC with increasing 2.5 micron particulate matter, but not with other pollution measurements. The FEV1/FVC ratio was not affected by particulate matter. Our 2003 data includes 54 subjects and shows similar results. Conclusions We conclude that elevated levels of 2.5 micron particulate matter adversely affects lung function in healthy individuals. Our data is consistent with previous studies. While our studies did not show that ozone affected pulmonary function, we experienced few days of high ozone.