Effects on the Olfactory Epithelium and the Olfactory Nerve From Exposure to Diesel Exhaust

The goal of this study is to study the effect exposure to air pollution and its effect on development of dementia. Does the diesel exhaust change the function of the olfactory system? Have the exposures measurable effects on the sense of smell and cognitive ability? Forty people are exposed to diesel exhaust exhaust and filtered air. The exposures are blinded and in a randomized order. Both groups undergo biopsies of the olfactory epithelium in the nose under local anesthesia after the exposures and after performing cognitive test.