Significant Positive Association Found Between Air Quality Index and Dermatitis

There is a clear dose-response relationship between air quality index (AQI) and the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD)

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has found a clear dose-response relationship between air quality index (AQI) and the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD). The AQI is a tool that alerts the public to air pollution hazards and provides advisory statements for reducing exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the association between AQI and AD risk.

Methodology

The researchers conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring System Network. The study included 21,278,938 patients who were not diagnosed with AD before 2008. The patients were classified into four groups based on AQI value quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4).

Results

1. The 10-year cumulative incidence of AD was found to be clearly correlated with AQI quartiles.
2. The incidence was lowest in Q1 (0.21%) and progressively increased through Q2 (0.34%), Q3 (0.95%), reaching peak height at Q4 (2.11%).
3. Higher AQI values were associated with a significantly increased risk of AD.
4. A continuous analysis of AQI showed that each unit increase in AQI was associated with a 7% increase in AD risk.

Specific air pollutants within the AQI, such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), were found to be significantly associated with increased AD risk. Conversely, particulate matter 10 (PM10) was associated with a reduced risk for AD.

Discussion

The study highlights the importance of considering air quality in relation to the incidence of AD. The findings suggest that outdoor air pollution, as indicated by higher AQI values, is associated with an increased risk of AD. This knowledge is critically important for guiding preventative medicine and public health recommendations.

Limitations

• The study has an observational design, which may be associated with residual confounding.
• Individualized information on factors such as smoking history, exposure to indoor allergens or pollutants, and individual genetic factors was not available.
• The number of AD cases may have been underestimated due to mild cases not seeking treatment.
• Individual movement and spatial variation in exposure to air pollution were not tracked.
• The results may not be generalizable to other ethnic groups.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of a significant positive association between AQI and the incidence of AD. It emphasizes the need to consider air quality as a factor in the development of preventative measures and public health recommendations for AD.

References:

1. Wu C-Y, Wu C-Y, Li M-C, Ho HJ, Ao C-K. Association of air quality index (AQI) with incidence of atopic dermatitis in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. Published online February 1, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2024.01.058

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 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.

The article discusses the association between air quality index (AQI) and the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD). This issue is connected to SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, as well as SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. Target 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.

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets:

• The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) can be used as an indicator to measure the impact of air pollution on health.
• The air quality index (AQI) can be used as an indicator to assess the level of air pollution in different areas.
• Specific air pollutants, such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), can be used as indicators to measure the presence and concentration of harmful substances in the air.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dermatologyadvisor.com

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