Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Skin Diseases Due to Particulate Matter

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of particulate matter (PM) on human skin diseases by conducting a systematic review of existing literature and performing a meta-analysis. It considered articles reporting an original effect of PM on human skin. From among 918 articles identified, 13 articles were included for further consideration after manual screening of the articles resulted in the exclusion of articles that did not contain data, review articles, editorials, and also articles in languages other than English. Random-effects models and forest plots were used to estimate the effect of PM on the skin by Meta-Disc analysis. According to people’s reports of exposure and negative skin effects (atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, and skin aging, etc.) due to air pollution, the summary relative risk (odds ratio) of PM10 was determined to be 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.11) whereas PM2.5 was determined to be 1.04 (95% CI 0.96–1.12). Simultaneously, there was a different extent of impact between PM10 and PM2.5 on atopic dermatitis (AD) for those of young age: the odds ratio of PM10 and PM2.5 were 0.96 (95% CI 0.83–1.11; I2 = 62.7%) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.95–1.16; I2 = 46%), respectively. Furthermore, the results suggest an estimated increase of disease incidence per 10 μg/m3 PM of 1.01% (0.08–2.05) due to PM10 and 1.60% (0.45–2.82) due to PM2.5. Following the results, PM10 and PM2.5 are associated with increased risks of human skin diseases, especially AD, whose risk is higher in infants and school children. With its smaller size and a high concentration of metals, PM2.5 is more closely related to AD in younger people, compared to PM10.

Environmental exposures and mechanisms in allergy and asthma development

“…Air pollutants can cause adverse health effects worldwide (14,(91)(92)(93)(94). Outdoor air pollution frequently occurs as a mixture of natural pollutants (e.g., from wildfires, volcanoes, biological decay, dust storms) and human-made pollutants (e.g., from motor vehicles, biomass burning, power plants, industrial facilities, waste incinerators, pesticides) ( Figure 2 and refs.…”

“…Meta-analyses of American and European cohorts observed substantial heterogeneity across studies that limited the ability to draw conclusions related to diverse definitions in exposure (land-use regression/ dispersion models and roadway proximity) and outcomes (asthma, wheeze, allergic sensitization), and unmeasured confounding of other factors (environmental pollens, fungal spores, climate; socioeconomic) and their complex interactions that drive allergic disease and modify the effects of TRAP exposure (103, 108). Several mechanisms contribute to TRAP-induced allergic disease development and exacerbation, including oxidative stress, altered barrier integrity, and induction of inflammation (14,95,121). Interpretations from mouse studies of TRAP depend on the nature of the traffic pollutant studied.…”

“…It is increasingly recognized that the timing and route of exposure affect allergic disease development (1,6). An impaired skin barrier represents an important route of entry for allergens, bacteria, viruses, air pollutants, and environmental chemicals leading to epicutaneous sensitization, atopic dermatitis, and/or asthma in susceptible children (12)(13)(14)(15)(16).…”

Effects of Particulate Matter on Healthy Skin: A Comparative Study Between High and Low-particulate Matter Periods

“…It comprises dust, industrial emissions, μ and tra c emissions [4]. PM 2.5 , also called ne PM, is a particle with a diameter less than 2.5 m. It is composed of organic carbon compounds, nitrates, and sulfates [4,5]. Ambient PM pollution, one of the major global cause of disability-adjusted life years, is associated with health disorders.…”

How to prevent skin damage from air pollution. Part 1: Exposure assessment

“…Recent studies suggest that certain dermatological disorders, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), premature skin aging, acne, and skin cancer, among others, are strongly associated with environmental pollution (Ngoc, Park, Lee, & Lee, 2017). Aggravation of AD by aeroallergens is a remarkable example and an in vivo model of interactions between host-and environment-related factors (Kim et al, 2017).…”