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Diesel exhaust particle exposure increases risk of aeroallergen sensitization in high risk children

Researchers found diesel exhaust particle exposure in early childhood enhances aeroallergen sensitization and that allergic rhinitis in 4-year-old children was associated with aeroallergen wheal area size at 2 and 3 years of age.

Infants born to aeroallergen sensitized parents were evaluated annually with skin prick tests to 15 aeroallergens with measurement of wheal areas.

Researchers estimated diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure using data from a land use regression model and 27 air sampling monitors. The tests were conducted as part of the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS).  

“This study of high-risk CCAAPS children found that AR [allergic rhinitis] prevalence increased annually to 21.9% by 4 years of age,” the authors said.

At 4 years of age, researchers defined at least one positive aeroallergen skin prick result and the presence of sneezing and a runny nose without a cold or flu, according to the study.

The study included complete data on a total of 634 children.

A positive trend was observed for high diesel exhaust particle exposure and aeroallergen sensitization at 2 and 3 years of age, but not with allergic rhinitis.

At 2 years of age, the researchers reported every 1-mm² increase in the wheal area of timothy and Alternaria significantly increased the odds of AR at 4 years.

At 3 years of age, according to the study, every 1-mm²  increase in the wheal area of fescue, dog and Penicillium significantly increased the odds of AR at 4 years.

“DEP exposure enhances risk of early aeroallergen sensitization. Aeroallergen wheal area at 2 and 3 years of age is associated with AR at 4 years of age,” the researchers stated in the study.

Disclosures: The authors reported no financial interest.