Short-Term Effects of Exposure to Atmospheric Ozone on the Nasal and Respiratory Symptoms in Adolescents

Information regarding the effects of exposure to relatively low ozone (O₃) concentrations in daily life is limited. We evaluated the effects of daily O₃ exposure on nasal and respiratory symptoms in healthy students. A panel study was conducted with students (39 people) for approximately one month. They were asked to record the presence or absence of any nasal or respiratory symptoms each day. O₃ concentrations were continuously measured inside and outside the classrooms, and the maximum 1 h, maximum 8 h average, and 24 h average values were calculated for the 24 h before recording the symptoms. Additionally, personal exposure to O₃ was repeatedly measured every 24 h using passive samplers. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the association between daily symptoms and various O₃ concentrations. Increases in maximum 1 h concentrations of indoor and outdoor O₃ were significantly associated with the occurrence of nasal congestion and runny nose, respectively. These associations were more pronounced in those with a history of pollinosis or allergic rhinitis. Personal O₃ exposure per 24 h was also associated with sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. This study showed that the assessment of the amount of personal exposure levels is desired to evaluate the health effects of O₃ exposure.