Study Highlights Effects of Fine Particulate Matter, Pollution on Allergic Disease

Study Highlights Effects of Fine Particulate Matter, Pollution on ...  MD Magazine

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Oct 7, 2023 - 04:30
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Study Highlights Effects of Fine Particulate Matter, Pollution on Allergic Disease

Individual Exposure to Air Pollution Linked to Allergic Diseases

A newly-developed model designed to estimate daily averages of ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) pollution has found that individuals exposed to these pollutants have a higher risk of allergic diseases1. This study, conducted in China, aimed to improve upon previous research by considering individual exposure data instead of population-average exposure data2.

Research Methodology

  • The model was developed by Qing-Ling Fu and colleagues from Sun Yat-sen University’s First Affiliated Hospital in Guangzhou, China.
  • The researchers utilized a resolution of 1 km x 1 km to estimate daily average levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and O3 across Mainland China2.
  • Individual information of outpatients who visited the Department of Allergy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between 2014 and 2019 was collected.
  • Patient addresses were linked to grid-based pollution levels using longitude and latitude data. The effects of pollutant exposures were assessed using conditional logistic regression and a time-stratified case-crossover design.

Key Findings

  • A total of 16,647 outpatients with allergic conditions were included in the study. The most common allergies observed were urticaria, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.
  • Exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was found to have immediate adverse effects, with a 10 μg/m3 increase leading to a 2.13% and 0.92% increased risk of allergic diseases on the same day and the following day, respectively.
  • Overall exposure to PM2.5, PM10, O3, and SO2 was associated with a greater risk of allergic diseases, with excess risks ranging from 1.10% to 9.98%.
  • No significant effects were observed for exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).

Implications and Recommendations

This study highlights the adverse effects of PM2.5 and O3 on allergic diseases, as well as the increased risk associated with exposure to ambient SO2 and PM10. These findings support efforts to mitigate air pollution and protect vulnerable individuals. It is crucial to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 13: Climate Action, in order to reduce the burden of allergic diseases and promote a healthier environment.

  1. He, B.-X., Ma, J.-J., Lai, H., Li, C.-G., Huang, L.-X., Huang, H.-N., Liu, X.-Q., Zhou, Z.-R., Xie, Y.-C., Kuang, P.-P., Ou, C.-Q. and Fu, Q.-L. (2023), Association between daily 1-km resolution levels of ambient air pollution and hospital visits for allergic diseases. Allergy. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15904.
  2. Chen ZY, Jin JQ, Zhang R, et al. Comparison of different missing-imputation methods for MAIAC (multiangle implementation of atmospheric correction) AOD in estimating daily PM2.5 levels. Remote Sensing. 2020; 12(18): 3008.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

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.

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

  • Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of hospital visits for allergic diseases related to ambient air pollution.
  • Indicator for SDG 11.6: Levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) in the atmosphere.
  • Indicator for SDG 13.2: Reduction in the risk of allergic diseases associated with exposure to air pollutants.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
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. Number of hospital visits for allergic diseases related to ambient air pollution.
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. Levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) in the atmosphere.
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. Reduction in the risk of allergic diseases associated with exposure to air pollutants.

Note: The specific indicators mentioned in the article may not be comprehensive, but they provide a starting point for measuring progress towards the identified targets.

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: hcplive.com

 

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