Short-term effects of particle gamma radiation activities on pulmonary function in COPD patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is not known whether environmental gamma radiation measured in US cities has detectable adverse health effects. We assessed whether short-term exposure to gamma radiation emitted from ambient air particles [gamma particle activity (PRγ)] is associated with reduced pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Objective

We hypothesize that the inhalation of gamma radiation emitted from ambient air particles may be associated with reduced pulmonary function in individuals with COPD.

Methods

In 125 patients with COPD from Eastern Massachusetts who had up to 4 seasonal one-week assessments of particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5), black carbon (BC), and sulfur followed by spirometry. The US EPA continuously monitors amb

SUBMITTER: Vieira CLZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6609300 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature