Correlation of pulmonary function and domestic microenvironment

Abstract

Pulmonary pressures, total and timed vital capacity, functional residual capacity and carbon monoxide uptake have been correlated with temperature, humidity, suspended particulate matter and gaseous acid in a 3-month prospective survey of 10 cardiorespiratory cripples. Results have been analyzed by a sequential multiple regression technique, and significant relationships demonstrated between pulmonary function measurements and time, humidity and suspended particulate matter. The immediate response to suspended particulate matter was consistent with bronchoconstriction, although the most significant features were a transient depression of pulmonary pressures and carbon monoxide uptake. The prolonged depression of carbon monoxide uptake, starting 4 days after an intense episode of pollution, did not show itself as a significant long-lag coefficient for the survey as a whole; the existence of a threshold dose of suspended particulate to produce structural damage is postulated. Submitted on February 20, 1959