INTRODUCTION Background/Objective Much effort has been expended in attempting to document health effects attributable to atmospheric nitrogen oxides. In connection with this effort@ the Chattanooga@ Tennessee region was selected for studies of nitrogen dioxide exposure where data correlations were to be made between observed health effects and air quality exposure. Nitrogen dioxide emissions from a trinitrotoluene (TNT) plant diffuse throughout the region creating varying exposure levels in different areas. A study of acute respiratory illness was conducted from November 1968 to April 1969 among families residing in an area of relatively high NO2 exposure; in an area of elevated suspended particulate exposure; and in two control areas in greater Chattanooga. Respiratory illness rates were consistently higher in all family segments in the high N02 exposure area than in the other areas where rates were averaged for the entire twenty-four weeks of study [1]. Significantly@ increased bronchitis morbidity was reported among elementary school children exposed for two and three years and infants exposed for three years to elevated levels of NO2 in ambient air [2]. A study conducted in 1970-71 of parents of senior high school students in the Chattanooga region showed that those parents living in high N02 exposure areas had a significantly lower forced expiratory volume than did those living in low N02 exposure areas and the control area [3]. The usefulness of the results of the previous studies and current on going studies depends to a large extent on the validity of the atmospheric monitoring data obtained at the sampling stations.
API 4202-1973 history
1973API 4202-1973 PROGRAM FOR UPGRADING THE NO2 INSTRUMENTATION EMPLOYED IN THE 1972 CHATTANOOGA NO2 EXPOSURE STUDY