Review shows association between exposure and prevalence, but not disease severity or incidence
FRIDAY, Nov. 13, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Air pollution exposure is associated with increased atopic dermatitis (AD) prevalence in children, according to a review published online Nov. 9 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Megan Park, M.D., from the University of Toronto, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to examine the associations between ambient air pollutants and AD prevalence in children.
Based on 52 observational studies, the researchers found that every 10-μg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide (odds ratio [OR], 3.46) and sulfur dioxide (OR, 3.96) was probably associated with increased AD outpatient visits. Every 10-μg/m3 increase in fine particulate matter [PM] ≤2.5μm (OR, 1.04) and PM ≤10μm (OR, 1.19) was likely associated with higher AD prevalence. Associations were mixed or not seen between air pollution exposure and AD severity or incidence.
“These findings highlight important public health implications and support policies aimed at reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change to safeguard the younger generation,” the authors write.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Air Pollution Does Not Impair Benefits of Walking in Reducing COPD Exacerbation Rate 
Lower Dietary Diversity in First Year Linked to Atopic Dermatitis 
Air Pollution Tied to Higher Risk for Suicide 
Distinct Skin Microbiome Features Emerge Before Atopic Disease Onset in Infants 
Threshold Oral Food Challenge Can Delabel Infants With Peanut Allergy 
Genetic Screening Can ID Hemoglobinopathy Prevalence 
Heated Tobacco Products Are Not Biologically Inert 
Congenital Ichthyosis Linked to Allergic Disorders 
