Mounting evidence points to air pollution as a cause of eczema – New Scientist

Air Pollution Linked to Increased Risk of Eczema, Study Finds

Introduction

Air pollution is increasingly being linked to a raised risk of eczema, with the latest study showing a clear relationship between the exposure and the skin condition.

Study Details

To gather more evidence, Jeffrey Cohen at the Yale School of Medicine and his colleagues analysed the medical records of more than 280,000 people, who were mostly in their 50s and took part in the All of Us Research Program. This collects health data from a diverse group of people in the US, with an emphasis on those who are usually underrepresented in research, such as ethnic minorities.

The researchers also looked at average PM2.5 levels where these people lived, using data collected in 2015 by the Centre for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions in Virginia.

They then compared PM2.5 levels in 788 locations across the US against eczema cases, which were diagnosed up until mid-2022. They found that for every 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in PM2.5, eczema rates more than doubled. “In more polluted areas of the country, there was more eczema,” says Cohen.

The team accounted for factors that could affect the results, such as ethnicity and whether people smoked or had food allergies.

Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – This study highlights the negative impact of air pollution on human health, specifically the increased risk of eczema. It emphasizes the importance of reducing air pollution to protect public health.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The study focuses on the impact of air pollution on city dwellers, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning and policies to reduce pollution levels and protect the well-being of residents.

Conclusion

This research should give governments another reason to enforce policies that reduce air pollution, says Cohen. Meanwhile, people living in polluted areas can reduce their risk by wearing long sleeves or staying indoors when pollution levels are particularly high, says Valacchi.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the link between air pollution and the increased risk of eczema, which is a health issue. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions the need for governments to enforce policies that reduce air pollution, which relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. Finally, the issue of air pollution is directly linked to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are reducing the number of illnesses caused by air pollution (SDG 3.9), improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), and integrating climate change measures into national policies (SDG 13.2).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• PM2.5 levels: The article mentions that the researchers looked at average PM2.5 levels in different locations and found a correlation with eczema rates. Monitoring and reducing PM2.5 levels can be an indicator of progress towards improving air quality and reducing the adverse health effects of air pollution.
• Eczema rates: The study analyzed eczema cases and found that they more than doubled with an increase in PM2.5 levels. Monitoring and reducing eczema rates can be an indicator of progress towards reducing the health impacts of air pollution.

The article implies that PM2.5 levels and eczema rates can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: newscientist.com