Health effects of ambient ozone exposure in vigorously exercising adults

The purpose of the analysis was to examine the association of changes in ambient ozone concentrations with changes in the pulmonary function (PFT) of healthy adults after exercising vigorously outdoors. During May-October, 1981, 24 community residents (men and women) ran three miles twice a week some time between 4:30 and 6:30 PM at a high school track near Houston, Texas. An air-monitoring trailer stood beside the track and monitored environmental variables continuously. The continuously measured environmental variables in this analysis (ozone, temperature, and relative humidity) were averaged over 15 minute intervals. Standard forced expiratory maneuvers were performed before and after each run. Exercise exertion was standardized.