Volatile organic compounds and risk of asthma and allergy: a systematic review

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous domestic pollutants. Their role in asthma/allergy development and exacerbations is uncertain. This systematic review investigated whether domestic VOC exposure increases the risk of developing and/or exacerbating asthma and allergic disorders.We systematically searched 11 databases and three trial repositories, and contacted an international panel of experts to identify published and unpublished experimental and epidemiological studies.8455 potentially relevant studies were identified; 852 papers were removed after de-duplication, leaving 7603 unique papers that were screened. Of these, 278 were reviewed in detail and 53 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Critical appraisal of the included studies indicated an overall lack of high-quality evidence and substantial risk of bias in this body of knowledge. Aromatics (i.e. benzenes, toluenes and xylenes) and formaldehyde were the main VOC classes studied, both in relation to the development and exacerbations of asthma and allergy. Approximately equal numbers of studies reported that exposure increased risks and that exposure was not associated with any detrimental effects.The available evidence implicating domestic VOC exposure in the risk of developing and/or exacerbating asthma and allergy is of poor quality and inconsistent. Prospective, preferably experimental studies, investigating the impact of reducing/eliminating exposure to VOC, are now needed in order to generate a more definitive evidence base to inform policy and clinical deliberations in relation to the management of the now substantial sections of the population who are either at risk of developing asthma/ allergy or living with established disease. @ERSpublications Investigation of VOCs in relation to developing or exacerbating asthma or allergy indicates new studies are required

Environmental triggers and avoidance in the management of asthma

“…The impact of volatile organic compounds that are encountered as indoor air pollutants on asthma control is still a matter of debate. 70 The main indoor air pollutant is cigarette smoke. In Pittsburg, an industrial community with high outdoor air pollution, indoor activities, especially cigarette smoke, are responsible for a large part of the indoor exposure.…”

Limonene and its ozone-initiated reaction products attenuate allergic lung inflammation in mice

“…Indoor air pollutants can contain complex mixtures of VOC emitted from paints, furniture, cleaning agents and fabrics. Several studies have suggested that outdoor pollutants may exacerbate asthma (Carlsten & Melen 2012;Huang et al 2015;Thurston et al 1997), but the causality between exacerbation and exposure to irritants and pollutants in indoor air is yet unsupported (Nurmatov et al 2015). Ozone is an indoor air pollutant; it infiltrates from the outdoors and is emitted from high-voltage electrical appliances.…”

Role of Th2 cytokines on the onset of asthma induced by meta‐xylene in mice

“…The several studies showed that exposure to VOCs is associated with asthma. In particular, substances contributing to the onset and promotion of allergies and asthma include BTX and FA, which are often found indoors . Studies also showed that single exposure to benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde induced airway inflammation, which is directly related to asthma .…”