In general, the risks of adverse health effects from the deposition of typical ambient fine particles in the lower respiratory tract are markedly greater than those from depositions in the upper air passages of the nose and sinuses. Numerous studies have appeared in the recent literature on particulate matter epidemiology and have demonstrated an association between ambient particulate matter exposures and various acute health outcomes. Such outcomes include, for example, hospital admissions, increased respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung functions. This may be due to exacerbation, by particulate matter, of a previously existing respiratory disease. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter may also increase susceptibility to infectious disease by decreasing clearance, impairing macrophage function, or through other specific and nonspecific effects on the immune system.
Anecdotal information suggests that some personnel experienced rashes, skin irritation and scaling.
The inhalation of ambient levels of particulate matter observed in the KTO could have resulted in several acute symptoms and could have aggravated asthmatic conditions in some personnel. A number of recent studies have been conducted that examine the health effects associated with acute or short-term exposures to particulate matter. These studies related PM 10 concentrations to observed health effects. Adverse health effects from acute exposures to PM 10 may be confounded by the presence of other pollutants making it difficult to estimate that portion of risk attributable solely to PM 10 . However, analytical results of air quality samples taken in the KTO in 1991 do not indicate that other air contaminants were at levels of concern.