Increased Levels of Environmental Pollutants Linked to Atopic Dermatitis
Probable associations seen for secondhand smoking exposure and traffic and industrial plant exposure with increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis
By Dermsquared Editorial Team | July 02, 2025
WEDNESDAY, July 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Increased levels of environmental pollutants are associated with an increased burden of atopic dermatitis, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online June 25 in JAMA Dermatology.
Megan Park, from the University of Toronto, and colleagues summarized and assessed the certainty of evidence on associations between environmental factors and atopic dermatitis outcomes in adults aged 18 years and older. A total of 42 studies were included in the review.
The researchers found that atopic dermatitis outpatient clinic visits increased for every 10-μg/m3 increase in particulate matter 10 μm in diameter or less, particulate matter 2.5 μm in diameter or less, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide (risk ratios, 1.008, 1.013, 1.029, and 1.014, respectively). Increased atopic dermatitis-related visits were seen in association with extreme environmental temperatures (hot and cold). There was a possible association for higher precipitation, including rain, with increased atopic dermatitis severity; probable associations were seen for higher levels of humidity with increased atopic dermatitis severity. An uncertain association was seen for increased duration of sunlight exposure on atopic dermatitis severity. Probable associations were seen for secondhand smoking exposure and traffic and industrial plant exposure with an increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis.
"These findings have direct public health implications, adding to the impetus to decrease pollution and mitigate climate change worldwide," the authors write.