CGPH FACULTY: Michael Bates, John Balmes
DATE OF PUBLICATION: March 2015
REGION: Oceania
REFERENCE: Bates MN, Crane J, Balmes JR, Garrett N. Investigation of hydrogen sulfide exposure and lung function, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a geothermal area of new zealand. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 30;10(3):e0122062. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122062. eCollection 2015.
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Results have been conflicting whether long-term ambient hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects lung function or is a risk factor for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rotorua city, New Zealand, has the world’s largest population exposed to ambient H2S-from geothermal sources. We investigated associations of H2S with lung function, COPD and asthma in this population. The study found no evidence of reductions in lung function, or increased risk of COPD or asthma, from recent or long-term H2S exposure at the relatively high ambient concentrations found in Rotorua. Suggestions of improved lung function associated with recent ambient H2S exposures require confirmation in other studies.
ACCESS: Link to Pubmed