Effect of Ambient Ozone Exposure Assessed by Individual Monitors on Nasal Function and Exhaled NO Among School Children in the Area of Thessaloniki, Greece

OBJECTIVES: The study of short-term effects of environmental ozone exposure on nasal airflow, lung function, and airway inflammation. METHODS: Ninety one children-47 underwent rhinomanometry-were included. The study was carried out during the 2013 to 2014 academic year. Activity questionnaires and personal O3 samplers were distributed and 1 week later, respiratory measurements were performed. Daily measurements of outdoor ozone were also considered. RESULTS: A 10 μg/m increase in weekly personal ozone exposure concentrations was associated with a non-statistically significant 12.7% decrease in nasal inspiratory airflow (29.4% during the high ozone period). When the outdoor exposure of the same and the previous day were taken into account the corresponding figures were 13.48% and 43.58% (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is an indication for increased risk of nasal obstruction during exposure to high ozone.