Acute controlled wood smoke exposure induces sensory airway irritation without detectable changes in small airway mechanics in healthy adults: A randomized crossover study.
Environ ResSep 7, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPulmonology
Maria Sehlin, Fredrik Öhberg, Christoffer Boman et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized crossover study examined the acute effects of controlled wood smoke exposure on airway function in 14 healthy adults. The study found that wood smoke exposure significantly induced nasal irritation (p = 0.003) but did not result in detectable changes in small airway mechanics or spirometric parameters.
Key findings
- Wood smoke exposure significantly elicited nasal irritation (p = 0.003).
- No exposure-specific changes were detected in spirometric parameters.
- Reactance (X5) and resonant frequency (Fres) showed significant time-dependent changes (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022).
Why it matters
Understanding the acute effects of wood smoke exposure is crucial for assessing respiratory health risks, particularly in populations exposed to residential wood combustion. This study highlights the potential for sensory irritation to occur without measurable mechanical dysfunction.