An Evaluation of Carbon Monoxide in Blood Samples from the Second Health and Nutrition Survey

摘要

This is a continuation of a study of carbon monoxide (CO) in the blood of human subjects participating in the Second National Health and Nutrition Survey (HANES II), a detailed study of health indicators in sample populations of many communities throughout the U.S. The purpose of this aspect of the survey is to evaluate the levels of blood carboxyhemoglobin in over 6,000 normal individuals of all ages in typical U.S. communities, from whom accurate histories and clinical studies are available. Two main results are anticipated from this work. First, values from non-smokers will indicate the extent to which absorption of CO from community air pollution is present in the U.S. Second, the data will provide an objective measure of current inhalation exposure to tobacco smoke in smokers, an important addition to clinical evaluation of health effects from smoking. Extension of the project to evaluate carbon monoxide uptake by workers at the Pittsburgh Energy Research Center has been proposed, but permission to carry out the study has not been granted by the Director of the Center.nA report of the progress made during the first two years is attached.nThe preliminary results in children indicate that exposure to CO at concen¬trations above the eight hour ambient standard of l0mg/m³ may be significant in Los Angeles and New York City, but not in other major urban areas thus far sampled.