[Exposure to fine air particles and occurrence of allergic diseases: results of ISAAC-France phase 2].
To evaluate whether fine air particles could be involved in the occurrence of atopy and allergic diseases, we performed a cross-sectional epidemiological survey involving primary schoolchildren living in six French towns with contrasted air pollution levels. Air pollution was measured during a week in the school yards and by standard air monitoring networks. Children get an examination in school looking for atopic dermatitis and bronchial hyperresponsiveness assessed by a standardized run test. Besides, parents or guardians provided past medical history and environmental data, especially on passive smoking. Overall, 5,338 children, aged 10.4 (+/-0.7) years, coming from 108 different schools and 401 different classes were included in the survey. Taking into account potential confounders, high exposure to proximity PM(2.5) was linked to a higher point prevalence of atopic dermatitis and hyperresponsiveness, to a higher cumulative prevalence of allergic asthma and a higher sensitization rate to common indoor allergens. Thus, these data suggest that chronic exposure to urban fine particles could be a risk factor for atopy, hyperresponsiveness and asthma.
Annesi-Maesano
I
I
INSERM, U 707, EPAR, Paris, France.
Caillaud
D
D
Lavaud
F
F
Moreau
D
D
Le Moullec
Y
Y
Taytard
A
A
Pauli
G
G
Charpin
D
D
D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010316:Particle Size; D011159:Population Surveillance