New research connects higher levels of air pollution in infancy to the development and persistence of peanut allergies. Policies focused on improving air quality could hold the key to reducing allergy rates.
Babies exposed to higher levels of air pollution are at an increased risk of developing peanut allergies that persist throughout childhood, according to a new study led by researchers from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Melbourne.
The research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, is the first to examine the connection between air pollution and food allergies confirmed through oral food challenges over the first decade of life.
The researchers followed 5,276 children from Melbourne, starting at age one, and reassessed them at ages four, six and 10.
Rachel Peters, an associate professor at MCRI, highlighted that this study showed higher air pollution levels as a significant risk factor for the development and persistence of peanut allergies.
“The rise in allergy prevalence has occurred at a similar time to increased urbanization, leading to the belief that environmental factors may be contributing to high allergy rates,” Peters said in a news release. “Eczema and food allergy most often develop in infancy. Both immune conditions can naturally resolve over time, but for some they can persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood.”
Interestingly, the study found no similar link between air pollution and other allergies such as egg allergy or eczema.
The researchers measured the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at the residential addresses of the participants at each follow-up stage.
University of Melbourne’s Diego Lopez suggested that the co-exposure to peanut allergens in the environment alongside air pollutants could be amplifying the immune system’s pro-allergic response.
“Air pollutants have an irritant and inflammatory effect that may boost the immune system’s pro-allergic response, potentially triggering the development of food allergies,” he said in the news release.
Australia faces one of the highest rates of allergic diseases, with one in 10 developing a food allergy in their first year of life. This research signifies that improving air quality could be a pivotal step in reducing these alarming statistics.
“The research highlights the importance of early-life interventions aimed at reducing exposure to air pollution, which could potentially prevent peanut allergies and other poor child health outcomes,” Peters added.
Eleanor Jenkin, the mother of 8-year-old Mae, shared her personal experience dealing with her daughter’s peanut, dairy and egg allergies, diagnosed at just eight months old.
“Her allergies are always going to be in the back of her mind, influencing the decisions that she makes every time she eats at a restaurant, orders takeaway or goes to a birthday party,” Jenkin said in the news release.
Mae’s journey, including several anaphylactic reactions, underscores the significant impact of this research for many families dealing with severe food allergies.
The implications of this study are vast. They point to the necessity of policies aimed at reducing air pollution. Improved city designs, better public transport promotion and transitioning to non-combustion fuels could be steps toward mitigating the rising prevalence of peanut allergies.
Furthermore, MCRI’s ongoing GenV study is expanding this line of inquiry by examining how air pollution and climate change affect children’s health. This large-scale study includes data from over 120,000 participants, providing robust insights for future policies and interventions to safeguard child health amidst environmental changes.
With findings linking air pollution to persistent peanut allergies, efforts to enhance air quality could significantly improve the lives of children prone to severe allergic reactions and decrease the onset of new cases. The comprehensive investigation spearheaded by MCRI and its collaborators is a groundbreaking stride in understanding and mitigating the effects of urban environmental factors on public health.