Peak exposures to nitrogen dioxide and study design to detect their acute health effects

A study designed to detect the health effects of short term exposures to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (ranging from 0.1 μL/L to over 1.5 μL/L) on pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects residing in inner-city apartments in New York City is described. The continuous exposure of nitrogen dioxide on the study subjects before, during, and after cooking a dinner on a gas stove is determined using a continuous nitrogen dioxide monitoring instrument. Lung function tests are performed and symptom questionnaires are administered throughout the study period to assess both health effects and changes in pulmonary function associated with the above exposures.In addition, peak levels of NO₂ at different heights above the floor, and at various distances from the stove, while the range and oven are in operation are reported for twenty four homes.