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Effect of ambient ozone exposure on lung function in farm workers
1Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Outdoor farm workers exposed to ozone experienced decreased lung function. This reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) persisted into the next day.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
Background:
- Outdoor farm workers are frequently exposed to ambient air pollutants.
- Ozone is a significant air pollutant with potential respiratory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ambient ozone exposure on the lung function of outdoor farm workers.
- To determine if ozone exposure leads to measurable changes in spirometry readings.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-eight farm workers in British Columbia underwent daily spirometry (FEV1 and FVC) before and after workdays.
- Ambient ozone concentrations were monitored, with confounders like acid aerosols and fine particulates assessed.
- Individual regressions analyzed the relationship between daily maximum ozone concentration and lung function changes.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between daily maximum ozone concentration and lung function (FEV1 and FVC).
- For every ppb increase in ozone, FEV1 decreased by 3.3 ml and FVC by 4.7 ml.
- Decreased lung function was observed at the end of the workday and persisted into the following morning.
Conclusions:
- Ambient ozone concentrations below 85 ppb are associated with decreased lung function in outdoor farm workers.
- The observed lung function decline is significant and shows persistence, indicating a potential chronic effect.
- Findings highlight the occupational health risks of ozone exposure for agricultural workers.