Biologic markers, which are indicators of biological exposure or change, offer the promise of early detection of the diseases caused by exposure to airborne environmental pollutants. Biologic markers have already helped researchers discover indications of pulmonary damage resulting from low-level ozone. The report is an in-depth look at the use of biologic markers in detecting pulmonary disease. In the beginning of the book is an explanation of the main concepts of the field, highlighting the distinctions among markers of exposure, markers of effect, and markers of susceptibility. Among the major issues explored are: (1) The potential usefulness of animal studies in developing biologic markers for use in humans; (2) The ideal nature of the respiratory tract as a site for detecting pollutant-specific markers--with a review of innovative new approaches to measuring markers on the molecular level; (3) The role of physiologic measurements of respiratory tract function--from standard clinical tests to state-of-the-art assays of tissue barrier integrity--in marker studies; (4) The use of naked-eye and microscopic (light, electron, and x-ray) examinations to assess changes in lung structure and function.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 137-165). Microfiche.