Controlled Studies of Human Health Effects of Short-Term Inhalation of Atmospheric Pollutants. Final Report

摘要

The purpose is to provide objective, independently verifiable evidence of effects of exposure to air pollutants which may be important to public health. The specific pollutants studied are gaseous and particulate nitrogen- or sulfur-containing species likely to be present in ambient air as a result of coal or oil burning in power plants. Volunteer human subjects are exposed to these materials under controlled conditions simulating severe ambient-pollution episodes, and their respiratory physiological and clinical responses are monitored. People with preexisting respiratory disease as well as people in normal health are tested, to help estimate the range of responses likely to occur in community populations including high-risk groups. The results are intended to help regulatory officials set reasonable air-quality standards. Thus far, minimal or no health-related effects have been found. (ERA citation 08:042396)