Effects of Inhalation of Acidic Compounds on Pulmonary Function in Allergic Adolescent Subjects

• Published in: Environmental health perspectives Vol. 79; pp. 173 - 178
• Main Authors: Koenig, Jane Q., Covert, David S., Pierson, William E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. National Institutes of Health. Department of Health, Education and Welfare 01.02.1989
• Subjects: Acid Rain - adverse effects; Acute Pulmonary Responses; Adolescent; Adolescents; Aerosols; Air; Air Pollutants - adverse effects; Airway Resistance - drug effects; Allergies; Asthma; Asthma - etiology; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Chemical hazards; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Inhalation; Lung Volume Measurements; Male; Nitrates - adverse effects; Nitric Acid; Pulmonary functions; Respiratory Hypersensitivity - etiology; Sulfur dioxide; Sulfur Dioxide - adverse effects; Sulfuric acids; Sulfuric Acids - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0091-6765; 1552-9924
• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8979173

There is concern about the human health effects of inhalation of acid compounds found in urban air pollution. It was the purpose of this study to investigate three of these acid compounds, sulfur dioxide ( SO2), sulfuric acid ( H2SO4), and nitric acid ( HNO3) in a group of allergic adolescent subjects. Subjects were exposed during rest and moderate exercise to 0.7 μ mole/ m3(68 μ g/ m3) H2SO4, 4.0 μ mole/ m3(0.1 ppm) SO2, or 2.0 μ mole/ m3(0.05 ppm) HNO3. Pulmonary functions ( FEV1, total respiratory resistance, and maximal flow) were measured before and after exposure. Preliminary analysis based on nine subjects indicates that exposure to 0.7 μ mole/ m3H2SO4alone and in combination with SO2caused significant changes in pulmonary function, whereas exposure to air or SO2alone did not. FEV1decreased an average of 6% after exposure to H2SO4alone and 4% when the aerosol was combined with SO2. The FEV1decrease was 2% after both air and SO2exposures. Total respiratory resistance (RT) increased 15% after the combined H2SO4exposures, 12% after H2SO4alone, and 7% after exposure to air. After exposures to HNO3alone, FEV1decreased by 4%, and RTincreased by 23%. These results are preliminary; final conclusions must wait for completion of the study.