Abstract
Spirometry in humans and air sampling have been performed during a brief but intense bout of air pollution due to exploding fireworks on New Year's Eve in Honolulu, Hawaii. An integrating nephelometer recorded a peak concentration of respirable particles in excess of 3.8 mg/m 3. X-ray dispersive analysis, combined with scanning electron microscopy of particles collected with an Anderson cascade impactor, indicated that most of the small particles were probably crystals of KCl. Conditions were ideal for a possible SO 2KCl aerosol synergism which may have led to the measured changes in maximal midexpiratory flow (FEV 25–75%). Two male subjects with a history of chronic respiratory disease experienced an average decrease of 26% in FEV 25–75% when compared to that measured the previous night. Three normal males experienced a 4.7% decrease approaching statistical significance (0.1 > P > 0.05), but the overall difference in FEV 25–75% in healthy male and female subjects combined was not statistically significant. Thus, while susceptible people may be measurably affected, the general population of Honolulu probably experienced little, if any, change in FEV 25–75% with the air pollution levels reported here.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
