Exposure to ambient ultrafine particles and allergic sensitization in children up to 16 years

Abstract

Background and aim: Few epidemiological studies so far have investigated the role of long-term exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP) in allergy development. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between UFP exposure and allergic sensitization to inhalant and food allergens in children up to 16 years old in the Netherlands. Methods: 2295 participants of the prospective PIAMA birth cohort with specific IgE measurements to common inhalant and food allergens at ages 4, 8 or 12 or to common inhalant allergens at age 16 were included in the study. Annual average UFP concentrations were estimated for the home addresses at birth and at the time of the IgE measurements using land-use regression models. Generalized estimating equations were used for the assessment of overall and age-specific associations between UFP exposure and allergic sensitization. Additionally, single- and two-pollutant models with NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance and PM10 were assessed. Results: We found no significant associations between UFP exposure and allergic sensitization to inhalant and food allergens (OR (95% CI) ranging from 1.02 (0.95 – 1.10) to 1.05 (0.98 – 1.12), per IQR increment). In contrast, NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance and PM10 showed significant associations with sensitization to food allergens (OR (95% CI) ranging from 1.09 (1.00–1.20) to 1.23 (1.06–1.43) per IQR increment) but not with sensitization to inhalant allergens (OR (95% CI) ranging from 0.98 (0.90-1.07) to 1.08 (0.93-1.25) per IQR increment). For NO2, PM2.5 and PM2.5 absorbance, the associations with sensitization to food allergens persisted in two-pollutant models with UFP. Conclusion: This study found no association between annual average exposure to UFP and allergic sensitization in children up to 16 years of age. NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance and PM10 were associated with sensitization to food allergens. Key words: ultrafine particles, IgE sensitization, inhalant and food allergens, children, air pollution, allergy