Exposure to fine particulate matter and urticaria: an eco-epidemiological time-series analysis in Beirut

Abstract

© 2021, Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science. Object: The association between ambient air pollution and several health conditions, including dermatologic disorders, has been heavily investigated. The mechanism involves an interplay of oxidative stress, inflammation and altered gene expression. Our study aims to investigate the association between air pollution and urticaria, an association not thoroughly investigated in the literature. Methods: Prospective data collection was performed during 2012 from emergency department (ED) medical records. Air pollution and meteorological data were obtained from Air Quality Research Unit stations situated close to each hospital. Stratification by age group was performed. Distributed lag model and generalized additive model analysis was performed. Relative risk (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals for ED visits diagnosed with urticaria associated with a 10-unit increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations from reference value were calculated. Results: Statistically significant associations were observed at lag 2 and lag 3 for individuals younger than 16 years of age. Statistically significant associations were not demonstrated for other age groups or at different lags. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that air pollution is associated with increased risk of developing or experiencing manifestations of urticaria, particularly among children and adolescents.