The Effects of On-site Measured Ozone Concentration on Pulmonary Function and Symptoms of Asthmatics
Journal of Korean Medical Science
;
: 30-36, 2007.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-226409
ABSTRACT
Most studies on the effects of ambient ozone on asthmatics have been based on ozone concentration measurements taken by air monitors in downtown areas. Using a passive ozone sampler, we investigated the effects of on-site ozone concentrations on the pulmonary function and symptoms of asthmatics. Twenty moderate to severe asthmatics who had been managed for at least 2 months without changes of their medication were enrolled from 3 June to 18 July 2005. Respiratory, nasal and ocular symptoms, peak expiratory flow (PEF), which was measured twice a day, and medication use were recorded on a daily basis during the study period. Data for 17 subjects were analyzed. The average ozone exposure level was 28.2+/-23.6 ppb (3.4-315.3 ppb). There was no significant correlation between PEF and ozone concentration (p>0.05) on the same day or 1-, 2-, or 3-day lags. Interestingly, the degree of asthma symptoms was influenced by the ozone concentration (rho=0.303, p<0.001), even at concentrations less than 80 ppb (p=0.298, p<0.001), but the correlation between ozone exposure and the frequency of reliever medication use was not statistically significant (p=0.99). Our results suggest that exposure to relatively low concentrations of ozone influences the symptoms of moderate to severe asthmatics regardless of changes in pulmonary function or medication use.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Ozone
/
Asthma
/
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
/
Air Pollution
/
Lung
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Korean Medical Science
Year:
2007
Type:
Article
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