Allergic diseases and air pollution
10.5415/apallergy.2013.3.3.145
- Author:
Suh Young LEE
1
;
Yoon Seok CHANG
;
Sang Heon CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea. shcho@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Allergy;
Air pollution;
Tobacco smoke pollution;
Environmental exposure
- MeSH:
Air Pollutants;
Air Pollution;
Asthma;
Developing Countries;
Eczema;
Environmental Exposure;
Epigenomics;
Human Body;
Hypersensitivity;
Nitrogen Dioxide;
Ozone;
Particulate Matter;
Prevalence;
Respiratory Tract Infections;
Rhinitis, Allergic;
Tobacco Smoke Pollution;
Urbanization
- From:
Asia Pacific Allergy
2013;3(3):145-154
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing rapidly, especially in developing countries. Various adverse health outcomes such as allergic disease can be attributed to rapidly increasing air pollution levels. Rapid urbanization and increased energy consumption worldwide have exposed the human body to not only increased quantities of ambient air pollution, but also a greater variety of pollutants. Many studies clearly demonstrate that air pollutants potently trigger asthma exacerbation. Evidence that transportation-related pollutants contribute to the development of allergies is also emerging. Moreover, exposure to particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide contributes to the increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. This article focuses on the current understanding of the detrimental effects of air pollutants on allergic disease including exacerbation to the development of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema as well as epigenetic regulation.
