Impact of Environmental Factors on the Prevalence Changes of Allergic Diseases in Elementary School Students in Ulsan, Korea: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

We examined the effect of long-term changes in environmental factors on the prevalence of allergic diseases in elementary school students in Ulsan, Korea. This longitudinal study was conducted among 390 students who were enrolled from three elementary schools in Ulsan in both the first (2009–2010) and second survey (2013–2014). The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases and hazardous environmental factors. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to investigate the impact of environmental factors on the change in the prevalence of allergic diseases. The survey revealed that an increased risk of allergic rhinitis was associated with exposure to secondhand smoke, the remodeling of a room, the replacement of wallpaper or flooring, the use of a humidifier, and irritation symptoms of air pollution. Atopic dermatitis was associated with the relocation to or repairs of a new house, and allergic conjunctivitis was associated with low levels of weekly physical activity, the use of insecticides, and irritation symptoms of air pollution. The results indicate that (1) allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are associated with indoor pollution, (2) allergic conjunctivitis is associated with exposure to indoor chemical compounds and low levels of weekly physical activity. This study suggested that the proper evaluation and decrease in the number of environmental risk factors could effectively manage allergic diseases.

Effects of rosmarinic acid on the inflammatory response in allergic rhinitis rat models after PM2.5 exposure

“…[23][24][25] Severe air pollution is associated with increased prevalence and severity of AR through numerous allergy-related pollutants including PM2.5 particles. 3,6,7 In our study, we observed increased expression of OVA-sIgE in AR rats, especially after PM2.5 exposure, which showed a positive correlation with the occurrence of allergic nasal symptoms.…”

“…Rosmarinic acid is considered as a promising alternative treatment for allergic diseases including AR, owing to its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐allergic, antibacterial, and antitumor properties 23–25 . Severe air pollution is associated with increased prevalence and severity of AR through numerous allergy‐related pollutants including PM2.5 particles 3,6,7 . In our study, we observed increased expression of OVA‐sIgE in AR rats, especially after PM2.5 exposure, which showed a positive correlation with the occurrence of allergic nasal symptoms.…”

“…Several studies have been conducted aiming to elucidate the relationship between different environmental factors and the occurrence of AR. 3 , 4 , 5 As one of the most important inducing factors of AR, air pollution has been reported to trigger the onset of the disease and worsen the nasal symptoms through excessive levels of allergy‐related airborne pollutants including PM2.5 (airborne particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm). 3 , 6 , 7 Several studies have shown that inhalation of PM2.5 can severely damage the respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems.…”

“… 3 , 4 , 5 As one of the most important inducing factors of AR, air pollution has been reported to trigger the onset of the disease and worsen the nasal symptoms through excessive levels of allergy‐related airborne pollutants including PM2.5 (airborne particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm). 3 , 6 , 7 Several studies have shown that inhalation of PM2.5 can severely damage the respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems. 7 , 8 , 9 As the entrance of the respiratory defense system, the nasal cavity is the first to be stimulated by PM2.5 substances, which could induce the onset of AR.…”

The home environment and current dermatitis in Japanese junior high school children in Kansai area

“…Two review articles concluded that household airborne chemical exposure can be associated with atopic dermatitis. 14,24 Redecoration and buying new furniture can be associated with a higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis in pre-school children 15,17,[25][26][27] and schoolchildren. 23,27 A birth cohort study found an association between total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the air at home at birth and development of atopic dermatitis at the age of 3 years.…”