Is diesel the cause for the increase in allergic disease?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to objectively critique available data regarding the role of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) in allergic disease. Readers of this review should understand the ways in which diesel particulates can affect human airways and the extent of the scientific data which are currently available.


METHODS
Data were obtained from published studies and reviews.


METHODS
The specific reviewed studies selected for this review met the following criteria: human and animal in vivo, in vitro, and pulmonary dosimetry studies, as well as epidemiologic studies to examine the role of DEPs and particulates on the airways.


RESULTS
The results of the published studies show that although DEPs may play a role in the increased levels of allergic disorders through a number of immunologic mechanisms, it remains to be proven whether it is responsible for the recent rise in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Further studies in humans are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which DEPs may be responsible for the increased prevalence of allergic disorders.
Parnia
S
S
Respiratory Cell & Molecular Biology Research Division, School of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, United Kingdom. parnis@soton.ac.uk
Frew
A J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D005742:Gasoline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D010316:Particle Size; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005742:Gasoline; D001335:Vehicle Emissions