[Ozone exposure and asthma]

Ozone is a pollutant the production of which depends on weather conditions and car engine combustion. Numerous epidemiological studies have indicated that high ozone levels correlated with morbidity in asthma. Experimental studies have shown that exposure of healthy subjects and asthmatics to ozone levels comparable to those measured in ambient air during hot summer days can generate respiratory symptoms, neutrophilic airways inflammation and lung function impairment. Lung function changes following ozone exposure are more pronounced in asthmatics and are dependent on the duration and intensity of exposure, a previous exposure and the nutritional status of the subjects. The airway epithelial cell layer is likely to play a pivotal role in initiating the inflammatory process following ozone exposure. Control of ambient air ozone levels must be a target for public health authorities.