Prenatal and early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution and allergic rhinitis in children: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is hypothesised to play a role in the development of allergic rhinitis (AR). Prenatal and early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution is considered critical for later respiratory health. However, we could not find any articles systematically reviewing the risk of prenatal and early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution for allergic rhinitis in children. Methods A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science and Medline was conducted to identify studies focused on the association between prenatal and early-life exposure to TRAP and AR in children. Other inclusion criteria were: 1) original articles; 2) based upon prospective or retrospective studies or case-control studies; and 3) publications were restricted to English. Literature quality assessment was processed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) evaluation scale. This systematic literature review has been registered on the prospero (crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) with the following registry number: CRD42022361179. Results Only eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The exposure assessment indicators included PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance, PM10, NOx, CO, and black carbon. On the whole, exposure to TRAP during pregnancy and the first year of life were positively associated with the development of AR in children. Conclusions This systematic review presents supportive evidence about prenatal and early-life exposure to TRAP and the risk of AR in children.

Air pollution and rhinitis

“…Exposure to moisture-related allergens, such as mold/damp stains and moldy/damp clothing or bedding, in the year preceding conception and during pregnancy, was notably linked to increased rhinitis prevalence. Living in close proximity to traffic roads intensified the adverse effects of household environmental factors while diminishing the protective effect of domestic dogs against childhood rhinitis ( 42 – 44 ). Additionally, family stress and male gender were identified as potential risk factors for allergic rhinitis in preschool children, particularly in the presence of early exposure to PM 10 and NO 2 ( 45 ).…”

An Inflammatory Question? Prenatal Air Pollution, Childhood Allergic Rhinitis, and Healthy Fats

“…The researchers found that each increase of in prenatal exposure was associated with a 1.9-fold increased risk of the child being diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, as well as a 1.8-fold increase in parent-reported symptoms, which included nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery, itchy red eyes. 12 These hazard ratios reflect adjustment for potential confounding factors such as maternal smoking and age, family socioeconomic status, and residential greenness.…”