[Alveolar CO as an index of ambiant CO in schoolchildren (author's transl)].

As it is impossible to use alveolar CO as an useful index of the exposure to ambiant CO in smokers, young children between 8 and 11 were used in this study, who had no contact with smoking. In a sample of 306 schoolchildren living in rural or urban areas, it was shown: a) that the technique which is usually employed in adults to get a sample of alvelolar air was applicable to young children, b) that alveolar CO concentrations did reflect very closely in these children ambiant CO concentrations, c) that smoking habits of parents have to be taken into account before assessing the relationship between alveolar CO concentrations and exposure.