Association between ambient air pollution and development and persistence of atopic and non‐atopic eczema in a cohort of adults

Abstract

Background: There is limited information on risk factors for eczema in adults. Recent evidence suggests that air pollution may be associated with increased incidence of eczema in adults. We aimed to assess this possible association.Methods: Ambient air pollution exposures (distance from a major road, nitrogen dioxide [NO 2 ], fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm [PM 2.5 ])were assessed for the residential address of Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study participants at ages 43 and 53 years. Eczema incidence (onset after age 43 years), prevalence (at 53 years), and persistence were assessed from surveys, while IgE sensitization was assessed using skin prick tests. The presence or absence of eczema and sensitization was classified into four groups: no atopy or eczema, atopy alone, nonatopic eczema, and atopic eczema. Adjusted logistic and multinomial regression models were fitted to estimate associations between ambient air pollution and eczema, and interaction by sex was assessed. | 2525 LOPEZ Et aL.

Epithelial barrier hypothesis: Effect of the external exposome on the microbiome and epithelial barriers in allergic disease

“…In an in vivo study evaluating the effects of 2 ppm NO 2 exposure on human nasal epithelium by electron microscopy, the luminal margin membranes of ciliary cells were ultrastructurally altered in six of seven nasal epithelial samples after NO 2 exposure. 314,315 Ozone gas has a variable lifetime and occurs both in the upper and lower atmospheres, almost at ground level. Ground-level O 3 is the main component of photochemical smog and is formed in the presence of sunlight by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds emitted by motor vehicles, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and chemical plants.…”

“…NO 2 can cause epithelial barrier dysfunction in the upper as well as the lower airways. In an in vivo study evaluating the effects of 2 ppm NO 2 exposure on human nasal epithelium by electron microscopy, the luminal margin membranes of ciliary cells were ultrastructurally altered in six of seven nasal epithelial samples after NO 2 exposure 314,315 …”

Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier by environmental and other exogenous factors

“…The sum of external factors that an individual is exposed to throughout life is referred to as the exposome 41,42 . The combination of multiple factors, such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants, chemicals, aeroallergens, and diet, contributes to the development and exacerbation of asthma and other allergic diseases 1,43‐47 …”

“…Particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5 ), the main component of DEP, exacerbated AR through TJ disruption in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis 51,52 . A population‐based prospective study has shown that a 2.3 parts per billion increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) is associated with an increased risk of prevalent and atopic eczema in male adults 47 . Exposure to traffic‐related air pollutants, PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and oxides of nitrogen, is associated with increased odds of incident eczema, particularly PM 2.5 , and is more pronounced with nonatopic eczema in elderly women 53 .…”

Ambient air pollutants increase the risk of Immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…For instance, Schnass et al conducted a cohort study and concluded that tra c-related air pollution would increase the prevalence of eczema for elder (Schnass et al, 2018). However, Lopez et al found that long-term air pollution has no adverse effect on adult eczema (Lopez et al, 2021). The same dispute can also be found in AR's research.…”