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Published on: June 4, 2017
Traffic exposure and allergic sensitization against latex in children
T Hirsch1, V Neumeister, S K Weiland
1University Children's Hospital of the University of Technology, Dresden, Germany.
Insights
Road traffic exposure does not appear to increase the risk of latex allergy in children. This study found no significant association between traffic-related air pollutants and allergic sensitization to latex in urban youth.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
- Immunology
Background:
- Latex antigens are detected in urban air and near freeways.
- Road traffic is a significant source of urban air pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between road traffic exposure and allergic sensitization to latex in children.
- To determine if urban children exposed to higher traffic levels have increased rates of latex allergy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 2505 children aged 5-11 years in Dresden, Germany.
- Assessed specific IgE levels against latex and common aeroallergens using fluorescence immunoassay.
- Evaluated traffic exposure via parental reports, traffic counts, and benzene measurements.
Main Results:
- 34.1% of children showed sensitization to any allergen; 6.0% were sensitized to latex.
- No positive association found between latex sensitization and self-reported traffic, street traffic counts, or benzene exposure.
- Adjusted odds ratios indicated no increased risk with higher traffic or benzene levels.
Conclusions:
- Road traffic exposure is not linked to allergic sensitization to latex in children.
- Findings suggest other factors may be more influential in latex allergy development.
- Further research may explore different exposure pathways or sensitizing agents.
Background:
Latex antigens have been found in urban air samples and in debris deposited near freeways.
Objective:
We investigated whether exposure to road traffic in a large city is associated with allergic sensitization against latex in children.
Methods:
A population-based sample of 2505 children aged 5 to 11 years was examined in a cross-sectional study in the city of Dresden, Germany. Specific IgE levels against latex and a panel of common aeroallergens (timothy grass, rye, birch, mugwort, Cladosporium herbarum, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, and dog dander) was determined by using a fluorescence immunoassay (CAP Pharmacia). Traffic exposure was assessed by (1) parental self-report on traffic frequency and truck traffic in the street of residence, (2) traffic counts, and (3) measurements of benzene at 182 points on a 1-km(2) grid for 1 year, which were used to estimate the children's individual exposure at the home address.
Results:
Eight hundred fifty-four (34.1%) of the children were sensitized against any of the allergens, and 150 (6.0%) had specific IgE (>0.35 kU/L) against latex. The prevalence of latex sensitization was not positively associated with self-reported traffic exposure, traffic counts in the street of residence (adjusted prevalence odds ratio for >5000 vs < or =5000 cars/d, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.3), or benzene exposure (adjusted prevalence odds ratio for an increase of 1 microg/m(3) air, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.05).
Conclusion:
The data suggest that exposure to road traffic is not associated with allergic sensitization to latex in children.
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