The Exposure to Ozone Is Associated With Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Allergic Sensitization in Schoolchildren

Abstract

PP-29-041 Background/Aims: Recent increasing trend of prevalence of allergic diseases is at least partly attributable to environmental change. This study aims to investigate the effects of air pollution on the allergic diseases in schoolchildren who are vulnerable to air pollution. Methods: A prospective survey of parental responses to ISAAC questionnaire and allergic evaluations was conducted for 3490 schoolchildren selected from the inner city and industrial area with 2-year interval. Individual exposure to air pollution was estimated by using geographic information system with 5-year mean data. The association of traffic-related estimates with allergic disease was analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1340 children (M:F = 51.3:48.7) with a mean age of 6.84 ± 0.51 years was included in the analysis because they were performed for allergic tests in both of start and followed years. The lifetime prevalence of diagnosis of allergic diseases and 12-month prevalence of treatment were 10.1%, 4.7% for asthma, and 26.4%, 21.4% for allergic rhinitis, respectively. After 2 years, lifetime prevalence of diagnosis allergic rhinitis had significantly increased. O3 exposure was significantly associated with 12-month prevalence of wheeze in start years (OR per 5 ppb = 1.372, 95% CI = 1.016–1.852). O3 was also associated with all prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children who reside in industrial area. The significant associations of O3 with total IgE and the number of sensitization to outdoor allergen were found. However, there was no significant association between ozone exposure and the new onset of respiratory allergic symptoms in followed year. Conclusion: The exposure to ozone was associated with wheeze and allergic rhinitis. Increased number of sensitization to outdoor allergen by ozone may explain the association.