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Abstract Air pollution is a pressing problem and causes millions of deaths each year related to its effects on respiratory health worldwide. Despite its significant impact, information on air pollution in many cities, including Hawassa city, remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and variations of traffic-related air pollution, as measured by carbon monoxide, and its relationship with temperature, relative humidity, traffic flow, and road routing in Hawassa City. We monitored carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in Hawassa city, Ethiopia, for 24 days using real-time monitors with carbon monoxide sensor head. A total of 24 different roads (12 high-traffic congested roads and 12 low-traffic congested roads) were included as monitoring sites. We conducted 1 hour monitoring at each monitoring site in the morning and afternoon to characterize the temporal variations. Accordingly, the average carbon monoxide concentrations varied temporally at different times. In addition, the average carbon monoxide concentrations on paved main roads, traffic light roads and low-traffic flow roads were 4.87 ± 0.6 ppm, 5.38 ± 0.8 ppm and 1.62 ± 0.53 ppm, respectively. The study also identified factors that correlated positively with carbon monoxide concentration, including temperature, relative humidity, traffic flow and road routing. The study concludes that long-term monitoring of carbon monoxide concentrations is necessary to fully characterize the health effects. The study also provides valuable insights for urban planners when implementing measures to mitigate the negative effects.

Air pollution is a pressing problem and causes millions of deaths each year related to its effects on respiratory health worldwide. Despite its significant impact, information on air pollution in many cities, including Hawassa city, remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and variations of traffic-related air pollution, as measured by carbon monoxide, and its relationship with temperature, relative humidity, traffic flow, and road routing in Hawassa City. We monitored carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in Hawassa city, Ethiopia, for 24 days using real-time monitors with carbon monoxide sensor head. A total of 24 different roads (12 high-traffic congested roads and 12 low-traffic congested roads) were included as monitoring sites. We conducted 1 hour monitoring at each monitoring site in the morning and afternoon to characterize the temporal variations. Accordingly, the average carbon monoxide concentrations varied temporally at different times. In addition, the average carbon monoxide concentrations on paved main roads, traffic light roads and low-traffic flow roads were 4.87 ± 0.6 ppm, 5.38 ± 0.8 ppm and 1.62 ± 0.53 ppm, respectively. The study also identified factors that correlated positively with carbon monoxide concentration, including temperature, relative humidity, traffic flow and road routing. The study concludes that long-term monitoring of carbon monoxide concentrations is necessary to fully characterize the health effects. The study also provides valuable insights for urban planners when implementing measures to mitigate the negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study presents the pattern of respiratory effects seen among residents chronically exposed to gas flaring in some communities in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The other health challenges associated with this chronic exposure to gas were also evaluated in the study., Methods: A total of three hundred and eighty-six 386 adult residents in Ibeno, Niger Delta Region who have been residents for at least two years. Four hundred and fourteen (414) age, sex, and height-matched control unexposed residents in Etinan were recruited for a cross-sectional survey study comparing their respiratory symptoms and other related health challenges. Past and current smokers were excluded from the study in both groups. The study was conducted using a questionnaire as the investigative tool. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data., Results: Most of the respondents in both exposed and control communities were aged 18-30 years, with a height range of 161-170 cm. Both exposed and control subjects experienced similar symptoms suggestive of respiratory disorders, however, the prevalence was significantly higher among exposed subjects than controls: Cough 57(14.8%) vs. 39(10.1%); breathlessness 58(15%) vs. 28(7.3); wheezing 22(5.7) vs. 12(3.1). The respondents from the exposed community were mostly traders and fishermen while the controls were predominantly farmers., Conclusion: There is substantial evidence from the data presented that prolonged exposure to air pollution from gas flaring has significant respiratory and other health implications on residents in these communities reflected as increased frequency of symptoms of cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, Skin and eye irritation. There is therefore an urgent need for intensified efforts and commitment by the government to speed up the implementation of policies regarding the reduction of flaring of natural gas associated with oil production and the adoption of measures to mitigate the effect of the exposure on human health., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists, (Copyright © 2024 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that can gather in the atmosphere. Wild land fires are uncontrollable land fires that consume combustible plants and emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, non-methane volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulates. This research was conducted to measure the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution during October 2015 that was caused by a September forest fire in Palembang, one of the cities most affected by wildfires in Indonesia. Sampling was based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) IP 10-A Method updated by SKC Ltd and was conducted every day for a week for six hours each day, divided into morning and evening sequences. Coarse and fine particles were filtered using a Sioutas Impactor and a Leland Legacy personal pump with a flow rate of 9 L/min. Quartz fiber filters were placed in every stage of the impactor to collect the particles. Particulate matter (PM) concentration was measured using the gravimetric method. The weighing was done using a Mettler Toledo MX5 microbalance. Questionnaires were used to gather information on health problems from 63 adults and 54 children from Palembang. The mean concentrations of coarse and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Palembang during the measurement periods were determined to be 818.78 μg/m3 and 672.99 μg/m3respectively. The peak measurements for the 24-hour mean concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 on October 21, 2015 were 1,369.34μg/m3and 1,246.92 μg/m3 respectively. Both PM groups exceeded the 24-hour standards for PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations outlined in the WHO Air Quality Guidelines and the US EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Based on the results of the questionnaires, more than two-thirds of both children and adults experienced sneezing, nasal congestion, influenza, and dry cough during the forest fire episode. In conclusion, the particle pollution in Palembang city that was caused by the forest fire was hazardous to human health, and further research is needed to explore the health effects resulting from forest fire pollution that may affect Palembang's citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'objectif était d'évaluer les états hémodynamiques et respiratoires des opérées de fistules obstétricales et rapporter nos expériences sur la prise en charge de ces malades. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive effectuée au Bloc opératoire et Réanimation du CHRR Manakara allant du 20 au 30 aout 2013. Etaient incluses les patientes opérées de fistules obstétricales sous rachianesthésie. Nous avons exclu les patientes classées ASA =2 et celles ayant des tares cardio-vasculaires ou respiratoires. Après consultations préanesthésiques, et bilans préopératoires, nous avons administré chez les patientes 12,5mg de bupivacaïne adrénalinée 0,5% isobare en intrathécal. Elles étaient mises en position de Trendelenburg 5 minutes après l'injection du produit anesthésique et durant toute l'intervention. Le niveau sensitif, la pression artérielle, la fréquence cardiaque, la fréquence respiratoire et la saturation pulsée en oxygène (SpO2) étaient enregistrés pendant l'intervention. Nous avons retenues 57 malades. Le bloc sensitivomoteur était excellent pour toutes les malades. Un niveau métamérique supérieur à T6 était atteint chez 56,36% des malades. A part quelques épisodes d'hypertension artérielle et tachycardie, nous n'avons trouvé aucune difficulté respiratoire ni cardiovasculaire en rapport avec la position. Seul, le niveau sensitif et la fréquence respiratoire présentait une corrélation (p=0,01). Cette étude suggère que la position de Trendelenburg est réalisable au cours de la rachianesthésie en utilisant un produit anesthésique approprié, en faisant attention, notamment aux changements de position et en tenant compte de l'examen préanesthésique.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with adverse respiratory effects, but it is not known whether the high exposure to particles prevailing in the subway system may affect the respiratory system. We investigated airway inflammation and lung function among particle-exposed subway employees. METHODS: We studied 81 workers. All participants were non-smokers, aged 25–50 years. Three exposure groups were formed according to particulate matter (PM) levels obtained during an occupational hygienic investigation: 30 platform workers [average PM_2.5 63 µg/m^3 and DataRAM (MIE Inc, Billerica, Waltham, MA, USA) 182 µg/m^3], 30 subway drivers (19 µg/m^3 and 33 µg/m^3), and 21 ticket sellers (10 µg/m^3 and 13 µg/m^3). We measured the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) of all workers before and after a workday. We also measured the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV_1) of platform workers and ticket sellers five times a day over two weeks. We calculated the arithmetic means of PEF and FEV_1 during exposed and unexposed time for every individual. RESULTS: There was no significant increase in FENO after work among platform workers, subway drivers or ticket sellers (the means of percentual individual change were -7%, +2% and -4% respectively). The averages of the ratios (exposed to unexposed time) of PEF and FEV_1 were above 1.0 for both ticket sellers (1.016 and 1.002 respectively) and platform workers (1.022 and 1.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our observations do not indicate any short-term respiratory effects of particle exposure in the subway among the employees, with respect to airway inflammation or lung function.

Purpose: Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation for typical atrial flutter (AFL) has become the preferred treatment for this arrhythmia. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of respiratory gating (RG) on electroanatomical mapping of CTI and to assess the efficiency of CTI ablation guided by the Carto3® system equipped with the new respiration gating software. Methods: Forty-four consecutive patients (mean age, 60 ± 13 years; 25 male) undergoing cavotricuspid ablation for symptomatic common AFL were randomly assigned to CARTO™ mapping with or without enabling RG module (Group A, RG OFF, Group B, RG ON). Results: A significant reduction in mean RA volume, CTI central length and CS ostium maximum diameter has been observed in the RG maps. The mean total procedural, fluoroscopy and radiofrequency (RF) time were 102.9 ± 35.3, 10.6 ± 3.3, 22.9 ± 14.2 min in group A and 75.3 ± 21.7, 3.6 ± 4.5, 10.4 ± 5.7 min in group B, respectively ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Electroanatomical mapping systems' accuracy may be strongly influenced by respiration movements. The current study showed that automatic respiratory gated acquisition resulted in a better visualization of CTI, and this determines a relevant reduction in fluoroscopy and RF times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unscheduled mortality preceded by adverse respiratory clinical signs in rats dosed by oral gavage may not only be caused by technical gavage error or systemic toxicity but may also be caused by gastro-esophageal reflux and subsequent aspiration of high concentrations of drug formulation. In a 3 week oral gavage rat toxicity study for an early drug development compound, preterminal deaths (approximately 20% of animals) at high doses (≥1000 mg kg) and concentrations (≥60 mg ml) were preceded by recurrent dyspnea, rales or excessive salivation, without evidence of accidental intrapulmonary gavage error. Histological evaluation revealed extensive necrosis and inflammatory changes in the upper respiratory tract, especially in the nasal turbinates and/or nasopharynx. The presence of food particles in inflammatory exudates suggested a retrograde aspiration of stomach content with test formulation via the nasopharyngeal duct into the posterior region of the nose. In contrast, no mortality or adverse respiratory effects were observed in rats following 2 week intravenous administration at comparable exposures or oral gavage administration at lower concentrations (≤20 mg ml). In a pharmacology study, the compound caused a dose-dependent increase in gastric content (partly due to inhibition of gastric emptying), providing a pharmacological basis for the suspected gavage-mediated gastroesophageal reflux. Reducing the dose volume and dosing fasted animals substantially reduced or eliminated the respiratory effects and mortality at the high test article concentrations, demonstrating that the adverse effects are related to the gavage method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Unscheduled mortality preceded by adverse respiratory clinical signs in rats dosed by oral gavage may not only be caused by technical gavage error or systemic toxicity but may also be caused by gastro-esophageal reflux and subsequent aspiration of high concentrations of drug formulation. Reducing the dose volume and dosing fasted animals may substantially reduce or eliminated the respiratory effects and mortality at the high test article concentrations, demonstrating that the adverse effects are related to the gavage method and reflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous toxicology and pharmacology studies have reported variable acute cardiac effects of capsaicin, primarily involving hypotension and bradycardia. However, these studies have suffered from two important limitations. First, the capsaicin tested has been derived from pepper plant extracts, which is likely to display varying degrees of purity and possibly diverse impurity profiles. Second, post-dosing follow-up was generally limited to three or fewer days. Therefore, the objective of the studies reported here was to test the cardiac and other target organ toxicity potential of pure, synthetic trans-capsaicin (the only naturally occurring stereoisomer of capsaicin) when delivered via intravenous administration to dogs either acutely or for 14 days. Taken together, results from these two studies indicate that pure trans-capsaicin—even when delivered directly into the systemic circulation at high dose levels—is rapidly eliminated, induces transient tachycardia and hypertension, does not alter the duration of cardiac action potentials, and causes only very minimal organ toxicities. The different toxicity profiles of pure trans-capsaicin reported here and chili pepper extracts previously reported suggest that the purity and source of capsaicin should be an important consideration for toxicological evaluations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Exposure to wood dusts may cause various skin and mucosal symptoms. Allergic dermatoses, caused by wood dusts, diagnosed at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health during 1976–1999 are reported here. 16 had allergic contact dermatitis and, 2 had contact urticaria. 9 men (3 cabinet makers, 3 joiners, 1 carpenter, 1 knifemaker and 1 machinist) were mainly exposed to tropical hardwoods. 1 man had dermatitis caused by western red cedar. 5 patients, 3 men and 2 women, were exposed to Finnish pine or spruce dusts, and 1 man to aspen. 7 also had rhinitis, 4 asthma or dyspnoea and 3 conjunctivitis. On patch testing, 10 men reacted to 9 different wood dusts, including teak (5), palisander (3), jacaranda (2), mahogany (2), walnut (2) and obeche (1). Reactions to wood allergens, including lapachol (2), deoxylapachol (1), (R)-3,4-dimethoxydahlbergione (2), 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (1), mansonone A (2) and salicyl alcohol (1), were noted in 4 cases. All but 1 of 5 patients exposed to pine or spruce dusts reacted to the sawdusts, all 5 to colophonium, 3 to abietic acid, 2 to tall oil resin, 3 to wood tar mix and 4 to other wood gum resins. Of the 2 CU patients, 1 was prick and RAST positive to obeche, 1 reacted with urticarial dermatitis to punah wood dust on chamber exposure. Occupational allergic dermatoses are mainly caused by the dusts of hardwoods, mostly due to Type IV allergy, but may also be caused by softwood dusts. Patch tests can be done with wood dusts, but should be confirmed by patch testing with wood allergens if possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants from the Verbenaceae family may cause contact dermatitis of unknown nature. This report describes 2 cases of allergic reactions to the Verbena species. A teenage boy developed an anaphylactic allergic response following contact with the leaves of Verbena hybrida. Characterization of the patient's specific IgE response to Verbena hybrida, using Western blots and autoradiography, identified the specific 62000 Dalton allergen present in the verbena leaves to which the patient reacted. This is the first report of an IgE-mediated immediate contact hypersensitivity reaction to Verbena hybrida, a common perennial in South African gardens. The other case was a 23-year-old female gardener who developed immediate and delayed-type contact dermatitis from Verbena elegans 'Cleopatra' produced in a Danish nursery. Prick tests to plant material were considered positive and of an allergic nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We described an outbreak of contact dermatitis in a tulip bulb processing company. Shortly after the introduction of a new pesticide the fungicide fluazinam, employees started to complain of dermatitis of the arms and the face 8 employees were investigated and showed positive patch test to fluazinam. The dermatitis disappeared quickly when they stopped work, but return as soon they restarted. Subsequent investigations showed that the fungicide had not been used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Fluazinam was shown to be a strong sensitizer under these circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the case of a non-smoking and non-atopic male, exposed to iridium chloride at work, who developed respiratory tract symptoms and contact urticaria. Application of iridium salt to normal skin caused contact urticaria. An iridium chloride prick test showed a positive reaction and a scratch test produced anaphylactoid reactions. Platinum salt allergy was excluded through prick testing with hexachioroplatinate solution. There is no previous report describing a case where an individual has a positive prick test reaction to iridium salts and simultaneously a negative one to platinum salts. The results are interpreted as immediate-type hypersensitivity (Type I allergy?) to iridium salt. The route of sensitization was probably through the airways. Further testing showed that iridium salt allergy could persist for at least 18 months after exposure ceases. 14 employees at the same factory were prick tested with iridium and platinum salts with negative results. Prick testing is recommended as a method of first choice when investigating a person with suspected iridium salt allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is an update of a previously published one on airborne-induced contact dermatoses. Because reports in the literature often omit the term 'airborne'. 12 volumes of Contact Dermatitis (July 1985-April 1991) were screened, and the cases cited were classified as to history, lesion locations, causative agents, and other factors. The number of reports of airborne dermatoses has increased considerably in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2 patients with acute allergic contact dermatitis from 3-(aminomethyl)-pyridyl salicylate arc described. Both patients were females with histories of urticaria and showed cross-sensitization to substances of the pant group. Clinical manifestations included eczema, angiocdema and respiratory effects. Ir. I patient, airborne elicitation was suspected. A lymphocyte transformation test confirmed the allergy. with an extremely high response index. 35 normal controls were negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

30 patients who had experienced contact urticaria after exposure to gloves, contraceptives, balloons or dental cofferdams went through a detailed examination including interviews on: exposure to rubber; local and distant symptoms; provocation test; skin prick test with (among other substances) latex extracts from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis; patch testing, IgE and RAST analyses, 23 patients (77%) reported additional symptoms from distant organs. 13 belonged to medical occupations; 25 were classified as atopics based on history; 21 had raised IgE-values; 25 were RAST-positive to the extracts from Hevea brasiliensis, 13 had a pre-existing hand dermatitis, of whom 6 were patch test positive to standard allergens. Skin prick tests with extracts from Hevea brasiliensis were the most sensitive diagnostic tool, while the RAST analysis was positive in 25/30 cases. These tests and analysis including RAST were negative in 40 control subjects. Provocation tests are of great value, but difficult to standardize. Several patients reported severe reactions at medical and dental examination/treatment situations (surgical gloves, dental cofferdams), and the risk of life-threatening anaphylactic reaction is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight healthy men were randomly assigned in a latin square order to receive single doses of placebo, tertatolol 5 mg, propranolol 80 mg and atenolol 100 mg at 7-day intervals. Resting heart rate and pulmonary function were measured 10 min before and over the 240 min following dosing, and then 15 min after inhalation of salbutamol 200 µg and ipratropium bromide 40 µg. The three beta-blockers caused similar reductions in resting heart rate throughout the study, whereas placebo had no effect. The three beta-blockers, like placebo, produced no significant change in pulmonary function during the 240 min after dosing. The bronchodilator response to salbutamol after atenolol and placebo was preserved, whereas it was reduced after administration of either of the non-selective beta-blockers, tertatolol and propranolol. An unequivocal response of the airways to ipratropium bromide was observed after tertatolol and propranolol, which was much greater than after atenolol. No response was observed after placebo. Thus, despite bronchial beta-blockade, by non-selective beta-blockers, bronchodilatation was definitely produced by ipratropium bromide, confirming the predominant role of the parasympathetic system in the autonomic innervation of normal human airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven asthmatic patients were given a single placebo tablet in a first test session and then in two subsequent double blind sessions they randomly received 400 mg bevantolol or 100 mg atenolol, with at least 2 days between each of the sessions. Neither beta-blocker had any significant effect on FVC as compared to the placebo. FEV 1, however, was significantly lower 2 and 3 h after atenolol or bevantolol; there was no significant difference between the effects of the two drugs on FEV 1. Peak expiratory flow rate was reduced by bevantolol but not by atenolol, the difference reaching significance after 3 h. Fenoterol inhalation at the end of each test session always enhanced pulmonary performance, but to a lesser extent after bevantolol than after placebo or atenolol. A slower heart rate was recorded 2, 3, and 4 h after bevantolol and 3 and 4 h after atenolol; the mean 2-h value was significantly lower with atenolol than with bevantolol. No patient suffered any adverse effect. Bevantolol may be slightly less selective than atenolol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case of contact urticaria resulting from watermelon in a patient with pollen allergy. Allergies to fruits and vegetables associated with pollen sensitivity have previously been reported. Diagnostic features can include lip irritation, octiema, gastro-intestinal symptoms, urticaria and anaphylactic shock. A connection between certain inhaled and ingested allergens has increasingly been observed clinically. Allergy to fruits and vegetables, in cases of pollinosis, follows the initial sensitization to pollen, watermelon sensitivity.

This article focuses on a study related to the bumetanide allergy in factory workers. Allergic reactions to drugs can usually be referred to the immediate, the delayed or the late type ,leaving a large group of exanthemata unexplained. Immunological examinations in industrial workers allergic to bumetanide point to involvement of both immediate and late reactions. Four workers developed allergic symptoms when working with powders of the pro-drugs to bumetanide. On provocation with powders, bronchial reactivity was found not to decrease as expected, but remained unchanged.

Backgroud: The aim was to study the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and assess the lung function of fish smokers in Nigeria., Methods: A case control study was done among fish smokers in Nigeria. Women aged 15 years or older (n=210) involved in fish smoking and equal number of matched controls were interviewed on respiratory symptoms and their peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured. Data was analysed using chi square test, student's t-test and odd ratios., Results: Both groups were similar in their personal characteristics. The test group had significantly increased occurrence of sneezing (153; 72.86%), catarrh (159; 75.71%), cough (138; 65.71%) and chest pain (59; 28.10%) compared with the control group, odds ratio (OR) 2.49, 95% confidence interval CI (1.62-3.82), P < 0.001), OR 3.77,95% CI (2.44- 5.85), P < 0.001, OR 3.38, 95% CI (2.22-5.15), P < 0.001, and OR 6.45,95% CI (3.22-13.15), P < 0.001, respectively. The mean PEFR of 321±58.93 L/min among the fish smokers was significantly lower than 400±42.92 L/min among the controls (p = 0.0001)., Conclusion: Fish smokers have increased risk of respiratory symptoms and reduced pulmonary function. There is a need for protective equipment and periodic evaluation.

Occupational skin diseases among dental health personnel, particularly involving the hands, have been an issue in recent years. Dental personnel come into contact with meth-acrylate, which can cause skin irritation as well as contact allergy. In addition, they frequently wash their hands and use natural rubber latex gloves, increasing their susceptibility to hand dermatitis. 52 dental staff members were interviewed using a standard questionnaire covering the duration of occupation, nature of work, various contactants encountered, past or present skin symptoms, history of hand dermatitis, history of atopy and nasal complaints.

Examines the influence of bisphenol A (BPA) in the development of erythema-multiforme-like occupational contact dermatitis. Effects of the sensitizing activity of BPA on the respiratory system; Reason for the discontinuance of the use of BPA in Japan; Industrial uses of BPA.

Presents a case report on occupational allergic contact uticaria from amoxicillin. Symptoms of the skin disease; Discussion on the side effects of the antibiotics; Results of skin patch testing.

The aim of this paper is to describe an epidemiological model to investigate the relationship between respiratory diseases and environmental air pollution. In the Po Delta prospective study, subjects were investigated before and after a large thermoelectric power plant beganoperating, in 1980 to 1982 and in 1988 to 1991, respectively. The Pisa prospective study was performed in 1986 to 1988 and in 1991 to 1993, before and after the construction of a new expressway that encircles the city from the North to the Southeast. In each survey, subjectscompleted the interviewer-administered standardized CNR questionnaire on respiratory symptoms/diseases and risk factors, and performed lung function tests. In the second survey of each study, skin prick tests, total serum IgE determination, methacholine challenge test and biomarkers (such as sister chromatide exchanges, micronuclei, chromosomal abnormalities, DNA and hemoglobin adducts) were also performed. Concentrations of total suspended particulate and S02 in both surveys were higher in urban than in rural areas, as well as symptom/disease prevalences and bronchial reactivity. Subgroups of subjectsfrom the two samples were enrolled to perform a specific study on the acute respiratory effects of indoor pollution; the daily presence of symptoms and measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF), daily activity pattern, and assessment of the indoor air quality (particulates<2.5Mu and NO2) were evaluated. Higher symptom prevalences and PEF variability level were observed in subjects with the highest levels of NO2 or particulates, especially asthmatics. In conclusion, these studies represent a basis for further analyses to better define the relationship between respiratory health and indoor/outdoor pollutant levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]