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Allergy, asthma and the environment: an introduction
1Zeneca Central Toxicology Laboratory, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. ian.kimber@ctl.zeneca.com
Toxicology Letters
|February 18, 1999
Summary
Allergic disease prevalence is rising rapidly in Europe and the USA. Environmental factors like air quality and diet are increasingly linked to respiratory allergies and asthma.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rising prevalence of allergic diseases and asthma in Europe and USA.
- Observed increase is too rapid for genetic factors alone.
- Growing interest in environmental influences on allergic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations between environmental factors and allergic disease.
- To investigate the role of environmental influences in respiratory allergy and asthma development.
Main Methods:
- Review of environmental factors implicated in allergic disease.
- Consideration of allergen exposure, indoor air quality, outdoor pollution, smoking, diet, and infections.
Main Results:
- Environmental factors significantly contribute to allergic disease development.
- Multiple factors acting together can exacerbate allergic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors play a crucial role in the rising incidence of allergic diseases.
- Further research into specific environmental exposures is warranted to mitigate allergic disease and asthma.