Combined effects of cigarette smoking and sulfur dioxide on lung function in Koreans.

Both smoking and air pollution impair lung function, but little information is available regarding the combined effects on the pulmonary system. The potential effects of smoking and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were examined on lung function. Data were collected from family health examinations of 867 subjects, aged 20-86 yr, in a Korean community. The subjects responded to a questionnaire interview and completed lung function tests. Data on SO2 exposure were obtained from the Environmental Management Corporation. Studies showed that exposure to SO2 induced a short, marked decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in smokers compared with nonsmokers. The effect lasted up to 30 h after exposure. Consequently, preventive efforts are necessary to reduce the risks that air pollution and smoking pose to the respiratory system.