Comparison of air pollution and the prevalence of allergy-related diseases in Incheon and Jeju City.
OBJECTIVE
A high level of air pollutants can increase the number of patients with allergy-related diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). To analyze the association between air pollution and allergic disease, we investigated 2 areas in Korea: Incheon, an industrial area, and Jeju, a non-industrialized area.


METHODS
Second grade students at elementary schools (11 schools in Incheon and 45 schools in Jeju) were examined in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used and a skin prick test was performed. The levels of NO(2), CO(2), O(3), particulate matter (PM) PM(10/2.5), formaldehyde, tVOCs, and dust mites in the classrooms and grounds were determined.


RESULTS
The levels of outdoor CO, PM(10), and PM(2.5) were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The levels of indoor CO, CO(2), PM(10), PM(2.5) were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The prevalence rates of AR symptoms at any time, AR symptoms during the last 12 months, diagnosis of rhinitis at any time, and AR treatment during the last 12 months were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The prevalence rate of wheezing or whistling at any time, and wheezing during the last 12 months were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
We found that the children living in Incheon, which was more polluted than Jeju, had a higher rate of AR and asthma symptoms compared to children in Jeju. To determine the effect of air pollution on the development of the AR and asthma, further studies are needed.
Department of Pediatrics, Environmental-Health Center, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
Su Ho
SH
Jeong
Jeong Hee
JH
Kim
Byong Kwan
BK
Son
Seong Chul
SC
Hong
Su Young
SY
Kim
Geun Hwa
GH
Lee
Dae Hyun
DH
Lim