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Pulmonary function response in smokers and patients with chronic obstructive lung diseae (COPD) following exposure to concentrated fine (PM2.5) particles
Citation:
HAZUCHA, M., W. BENNETT, R. B. DEVLIN, K. Zeman, J. C. LAY, M. C. MADDEN, AND H. R. KEHRL. Pulmonary function response in smokers and patients with chronic obstructive lung diseae (COPD) following exposure to concentrated fine (PM2.5) particles. Presented at European Respiratory Society Annual Congress, Vienna, AUSTRIA, September 12 - 16, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
research results
Description:
Population-based studies strongly suggest that smokers and patients with COPD may be susceptible to particulate matter (PM). The reported associations were stronger with fine than coarse PM .These findings, however, have not been supported by laboratory or clinical data. We studied 11 (3M/8F) 35-74 years old smokers and ex-smokers (COPD) volunteers from general population. In this randomized double blind cross-over study subjects breathed unencumbered in a chamber air with “low” ( mean 2.9 ± 0.42 ug/m3) and “high” (mean 112.8 ± 11.7 ug/m3) concentration of PM2.5. The 2h exposures at rest were separated by 3 weeks. Pulmonary function tests were performed before, immediately post, 3h and 22h post exposure; not all the tests were done at all periods. Both FVC and FEV1 showed a statistically significant decline at 3h post exposure (p=0.0385 and 0.0195, resp.) following “high” PM exposure. The decline remained significant for at least 22 hours (p= 0.0487 and 0.0284, resp.). The lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) decreased at 3h and 22h in both low and high PM exposure. However, the decrease became significant only at 22 hours following high PM exposure day (p=0.0152). The DLCO changes were negatively associated with central to peripheral ratio measured by 99mTc-DTPA (p=0.0050). We conclude that inhalation of fine PM for a couple of hours at rest by smokers and ex-smokers with COPD may further adversely affect their lung function. Support: USEPA cooperative agreement CR83346301. This abstract does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency.