Recorded presentation

Steven P. Girardot, MS, Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, 505-712-8275, sgirard@emory.edu, Kimberly A. Tromatore, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996, Cynthia A. Atterholt, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Western Carolina University, Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC 28723, Wayne T. Davis, PhD, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, 223 Perkins Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996-2010, Charles Hamilton, DrPH, MPH, University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-2710, Jim Renfro, MS, Great Smoky Mountain Head Quarters, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sugarland Visitor Center, Gatlinburg, TN, P. Barry Ryan, PhD, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, Susan M. Smith, MPH, EdD, The UT Safety Center, The University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-2710, and Gregory D. Reed, PhD, University of Tennessee, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 223 Perkins Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996.

To address the lack of research on the pulmonary health effects of ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on individuals who recreate in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an observational study was conducted at Newfound Gap, a popular high-elevation (1538 m) site, during the fall of 2002 and the summer of 2003. Eligibility criteria consisted of adults embarking upon day hikes of approximately 6.5 kilometers or longer along the Charlies Bunion Trail. Participants were asked to have their height and weight measured, submit to pulmonary function testing before and after their hike, complete a trip log diary, and respond to a health history questionnaire. Pulmonary function was measured using spirometry, with FEV₁, FVC, the ratio of FEV₁ to FVC, and FEF_25-75% calculated for each hiker who met eligibility criteria, gave acceptable tests, and provided a complete set of covariates (age, fitness level, gender, smoking status, and history of asthma or wheeze) (N = 817). Continuous ambient ozone and PM_2.5 concentrations along with temperature and relative humidity were monitored on-site at the trailhead. Ozone exposures ranged from 60 to 560 ppbv-hours, and PM_2.5 exposures ranged from 10 to 345 μg/m³-hours. The relationship between percentage changes in the spirometric outcome variables and exposure to ozone and PM_2.5 will be modeled using multiple linear regression. The results of this study will be used in future policy decisions concerning air quality in the Park as well as add to the literature on the exposure-response relationship in exercising, healthy adults in ambient environments.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant in this session will better understand

• Current Air Pollution Issues in an Urban National Park located in the Southeastern United States
• Techniques for assessing pulmonary health outcomes on humans in outdoor settings
• Modeling air pollution exposure and health outcome data, using single and multi-pollutant models

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation