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Environmental risk factors in atopic asthma
1US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711, USA. koren.hillel@epamail.epa.gov
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Asthma prevalence is rising globally. While causes are unknown, air pollutants like ozone (O3) may worsen asthma symptoms, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Asthma prevalence is increasing globally, with potential links to air pollution.
- Asthmatics may be a susceptible subpopulation to environmental pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the impact of air pollutants on asthma exacerbation.
- To identify specific pollutants and their effects on asthmatics.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on asthma hospital admissions.
- Analysis of controlled human clinical studies on ozone exposure.
- Examination of research on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and asthma.
Main Results:
- Epidemiological studies suggest ozone (O3) exacerbates asthma, though often confounded by other pollutants.
- Clinical studies show asthmatics and healthy adults have similar responses to O3, but O3 may worsen atopic asthma.
- Research on NO2 responsiveness in asthmatics yields inconsistent results.
Conclusions:
- Asthmatics are a sensitive population to ozone (O3) and potentially other air pollutants.
- Further integrated research (epidemiological, clinical, toxicological) is needed to clarify risks.