Low-level subchronic exposure to wood smoke exacerbates inflammatory responses in allergic rats.

Epidemiological studies have implicated wood smoke as a risk factor for exacerbating asthma. However, comparisons of findings in animal models with those in humans are currently not possible, because detailed clinically relevant measurements of pulmonary function are not available in animal studies. Brown Norway rats were immunized with ovalbumin and exposed to either filtered air or wood smoke at 1 mg particulate matter/m(3) for 70 days and challenged with allergen during the last 4 days of exposure.

Health effects of subchronic exposure to low levels of wood smoke in rats.

Wood smoke is a significant source of air pollution in many parts of the United States, and epidemiological data suggest a causal relationship between elevated wood smoke levels and health effects. The present study was designed to provide information on the potential respiratory health responses to subchronic wood smoke exposures in a Native American community in New Mexico. Therefore, this study used the same type of wood under similar burning conditions and wood smoke particle concentrations to mimic the conditions observed in this community.