Physiological and Irritating Effects of Indoor Air Pollution due to Cigarette Smoke

Abstract

Subjects were exposed in a climatic chamber during 28 min to cigarette smoke produced by a smoking machine. The concentrations of CO, NO, NO₂, formaldehyde and acrolein were recorded. We measured eye blinking rate, FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in one sec), MMF (maximal mid-expiratory flow), irritating effects and annoyance. Irritation (eyes and nose), annoyance and blinking rate showed an increase in relation to the number of smoked cigarettes, i.e. to the concentration of pollutants. There was a correlation between blinking rate and eye irritation in the first half of exposure. Annoyance about air quality and the wish to open the windows or to leave the room proved to be a very susceptible criterion.