Association between ambient air pollution and development and
persistence of atopic and non-atopic eczema in a cohort of adults
Abstract
Background: There is limited information on risk factors for eczema in
adults. Recent evidence suggests that air pollution may be associated
with increased incidence of eczema in adults. We aimed to assess this
possible association. Methods: Ambient air pollution exposures (distance
from a major road, nitrogen dioxide [NO2], fine particulate matter
with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm [PM2.5]) were assessed for the
residential address of Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study participants
at ages 43 and 53 years. Eczema incidence (onset after age 43 years),
prevalence (at 53 years) and persistence were assessed from surveys,
while sensitisation was assessed using skin prick tests. The presence or
absence of eczema and sensitisation was classified into four groups: no
atopy or eczema, atopy alone, non-atopic eczema, and atopic eczema.
Adjusted logistic and multinomial regression models were fitted to
estimate associations between ambient air pollution and eczema, and
interaction by sex was assessed. Results: Of 3153 participants in both
follow ups, 2369 had valid skin prick tests. For males, a 2.3 ppb
increase in baseline NO2 was associated with increased risk of prevalent
eczema (OR=1.15 [95%CI 0.98-1.36]), both non-atopic (OR=1.39
[1.02-1.90]) and atopic eczema (OR=1.26 [1.00-1.59]). These
associations were not seen in females (P for interaction=0.08,
<0.01). For both sexes, a 1.6 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure
at follow-up was associated with increased odds of aeroallergen
sensitisation (OR=1.15 [1.03-1.30]). Conclusion: Increased exposure
to residential ambient air pollutants was associated with an increased
risk of eczema, only in males, and aeroallergen sensitisation in both
genders.