You are here:
COMBINED EFFECT OF OZONE AND SULFURIC ACID ON PULMONARY FUNCTION IN MAN (JOURNAL VERSION)
Citation:
Horvath, S., L. Folinsbee, AND J. Bedi. COMBINED EFFECT OF OZONE AND SULFURIC ACID ON PULMONARY FUNCTION IN MAN (JOURNAL VERSION). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-87/441.
Description:
A potential synergistic effect of ozone and sulfuric acid mist (H2SO4) on respiratory function has been postulated for humans exposed to these two pollutants simultaneously. Nine young men were exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone (03), 1200-1600 mcg/cu m sulfuric acid aerosol (H2SO4), and the combination of 03 and H2SO4. During the 2-h exposures, the subjects exercised (ventilation = 30 liters/min) three times for 20 min each. Air temperature was 35 deg C and relative humidity 83%. Pulmonary function changes after exposure to ozone alone were not expected and were not demonstrated. Had a synergism between 03 and H2SO4 occurred, pulmonary function responses would have been anticipated following the combination exposure but no significant changes were seen. It is concluded that ozone and sulfuric acid aerosol do not act synergistically in persons with 'normal' lung function to produce greater effects than either substance alone.