J Allergy Clin Immunol

Air pollution tied to persistent peanut allergy in children

November 6, 2024

Early-life exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is associated with the prevalence and persistence of peanut allergies. Policies aimed at reducing air pollution could potentially decrease both the occurrence and duration of these allergies.

Study details: HealthNuts conducted a study involving a population-based sample of 1-year-old infants, with follow-up at ages 4, 6, and 10. Researchers assigned annual average exposures to PM_2.5 and NO₂ based on geocoded residential addresses. Eczema was reported by parents, and food allergies to peanut, egg, and sesame were assessed through oral food challenges.

Findings: Exposure to high levels of NO₂ at age 1 was associated with increased peanut allergy prevalence at ages 1 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.21) and 4 (2.29). Similarly, high NO₂ exposure at age 6 was associated with a higher prevalence of peanut allergy (1.34 per 2.7 ppb increase). Increased PM_2.5 exposure at age 1 correlated with peanut allergies at ages 4 (1.27), 6 (1.27), and 10 (1.46) years, indicating that early exposure to NO₂ and PM_2.5 is associated with persistent peanut allergies later in life. There was little evidence linking these pollutants to eczema or egg allergies.

Source:

Lopez DJ, et al. (2024, September 30). J Allergy Clin Immunol. Air pollution is associated with persistent peanut allergy in the first 10 years. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39453339/