Fusk, M. Z., Steigerwald, M. D., & Rundell, K. W. (2010). Inhalation of combustion derived particulate matter during 30-min exercise does not affect lung function. Presentation 853 at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; June 2-5.

This study assessed the effects of particulate matter inhalation during high-intensity short-term exercise in healthy males (N = 10). Ss exercised in an exposure chamber four times for 30 minutes in both high and low particulate-matter air after taking a placebo or 10 mg montelukast (a leukotriene receptor antagonist; half-life 3-6 hours). Lung function was measured by spirometry pre-, 5, 10, 50 minutes, 4 hours, and 24 hours post-exercise.

Baseline lung function was normal and consistent among trials. An acute bout of exercise in high particulate-matter conditions did not result in decreased lung function up to 24 hours post-exercise. The experimental treatment or placebo conditions were no different in post-exercise lung function.

Implication. An acute bout of 30-minute exercise in high particular matter pollution conditions does not decrease lung function in healthy college-aged males.

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