摘要：The aim of this study was to analyze the prevailing environmental conditions during August in the past 10–30 years in the city of Athens where the 2004 Olympic Games are going to be held. A secondary aim was to relate these conditions to performance, based on the existing literature. Ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations, hourly and daily recorded, in August over the past 10 years were collected from the Greek Ministry of Environment. Ambient dry temperature and relative humidity, every three hours and daily recorded, in August over the past 30 years were collected from the National Meteorological Bureau. CO, NO2 and SO2 levels were below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values and the national alarm levels. However, 8-hours O3 concentration was higher than the WHO guideline values at certain cases. Ambient temperature ranged between 19.7 and 34.8°C in the site close to the Olympic sports complex whereas relative humidity was 25 to 60%. In conclusion, a high O3 concentration could be a threat to endurance performance in the 2004 summer Olympic Games. The negative impact of O3 inhalation on health and performance could be exaggerated in the presence of a high ambient temperature. Proper acclimation strategies could minimize the adverse effects of heat on human body function. Acclimation could also alleviate the respiratory symptoms of O3 inhalation, at least in some individuals.
