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Pulmonary effects of inhaled concentrated fine particles (PM2.5) in somkers and patients with chronic obstructive lung disease
Citation:
Lay, J. C., W. BENNETT, K. L. Zeman, H. R. KEHRL, AND M. HAZUCHA. Pulmonary effects of inhaled concentrated fine particles (PM2.5) in somkers and patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Presented at Intl Society for Aerosols in Medicine, Monterey, CA, May 10 - 14, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
research results
Description:
Although numerous field and epidemiological studies of particulate matter (PM) have strongly suggested that patients with COPD and smokers may be susceptible to fine particles (PM2.5), very little is known about the health effects on such sub-populations. In a randomized double blind cross-over study, we examined the pulmonary effects of exposure to concentrated PM2.5 in 11 current and ex-smokers (3M/8F, aged 35-74 years). On two occasions (at least 3 weeks apart) subjects breathed either high or low concentrations of PM2.5 (112.8 ug/m3 and 2.9 ug/m3 respectively) for 2h while seated in a chamber at rest. Spirometry and DLCO were measured before and at 3 and 22h post exposure. Additional spirometry was obtained immediately post exposure. Alveolar permeability (Tc99m-DTPA clearance) measurements were done at 3 and 22h post exposure. We found no changes in lung function immediately post-exposure. However, both FVC and FEV1 showed significant decline at 3h (p=0.04 and 0.02, resp.) and 22h (p= 0.05 and 0.03, resp.) post exposure. DLCO decreased at 3 and 22h after both exposures, but was significant only at 22h post high PM (p=0.02). DTPA clearance decreased (p=0.02) only at 3h post high PM, relative to low PM concentration. We conclude that inhalation of fine PM by individuals with already compromised lung function may further adversely affect their lung function. Support: USEPA cooperative agreement CR83346301. This abstract does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency.