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Controlled studies of human exposure to single and combined action of NO2,O3, and SO2

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Summary

Eleven healthy male subjects aged 23 to 38 years (including 2 smokers) were exposed to purified air (= control experiment), to NO2, O3, and SO2 alone, to mixtures of NO2 + SO2, and NO2 + O3 in MAK1 concentration, and to a mixture of NO2 + SO2 + O3 in MAK and MIK2 concentrations for 2 h. Nine of these subjects underwent a bronchial challenge by inhaling in a standardized procedure, an aerosol containing 1%, 2%, and 3% acetylcholine after a 2-h exposure to clean air and to a mixture of NO2 + SO2 + O3 in MAK and MIK concentrations, respectively.

The following results were obtained:

  1. 1.

    A significant PaO2 decrease and Raw increase was observed in all series with NO2 in MAK concentration as compared to the initial values or the behavior in the controls.

  2. 2.

    The combinations of NO2 + O3, NOi2 + SO2, or NO2 + SO2 + O3 did not show a stronger effect than NO2 alone; however, in the latter series, recovery of PaO2 seemed to be delayed and Raw even increased in the post-exposure period.

  3. 3.

    Exposure to NO2 + SO2 + O3 in MIK concentration did not show any effect on PaO2 and Raw.

  4. 4.

    Acetylcholine challenge following exposure to a combination of NO2 + SO2 + O3 in MIK concentration resulted in a significantly increased reactivity to Ach as compared to the control series. Increased reactivity became more pronounced after exposure to the mixture of NO2 + SO2 + O3 in MAK concentration.

From the results of this study and previous data there is a special need for re-evaluation of the present NO2 MAK concentration (5 ppm; 9 mg/m3).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Krankenhaus Bethanien, D-413, Moers, Germany

    H. Krekeler, H. Löllgen, W. Fries & A. Beuthan

  2. Bundesgesundheitsamt, Institut für Wasser-, Boden- und Lufthygiene, D-1000, Berlin 33

    G. von Nieding & H. M. Wagner

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  1. G. von Nieding
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  2. H. M. Wagner
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  3. H. Krekeler
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  4. H. Löllgen
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  5. W. Fries
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  6. A. Beuthan
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This research project was supported by grant No. 014-74-1, Environmental Research Programme of the European Communities, and by grant No. 38g, Environmental Programme of the Federal Government

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von Nieding, G., Wagner, H.M., Krekeler, H. et al. Controlled studies of human exposure to single and combined action of NO2,O3, and SO2 . Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 43, 195–210 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381191

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