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Seastedt H, Nadeau K. Factors by which global warming worsens allergic disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:694-702. [PMID: 37689112 PMCID: PMC10873081 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased use of fossil fuels has led to global warming with concomitant increases in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires and sand and dust storms. These changes have led to increases in air pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Global warming is also associated with increases in pollen season length and pollen concentration. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollen synergistically increase the incidence and severity of allergic diseases. Other indirect factors such as droughts, flooding, thunderstorms, heat waves, water pollution, human migration, deforestation, loss of green space, and decreasing biodiversity (including microbial diversity) also affect the incidence and severity of allergic disease. Global warming and extreme weather events are expected to increase in the coming decades, and further increases in allergic diseases are expected, exacerbating the already high health care burden associated with these diseases. There is an urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change to improve human health. Human health and planetary health are connected and the concept of One Health, which is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment needs to be emphasized. Clinicians are trusted members of the community, and they need to take a strong leadership role in educating patients on climate change and its adverse effects on human health. They also need to advocate for policy changes that decrease the use of fossil fuels and increase biodiversity and green space to enable a healthier and more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Seastedt
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Li X, Wu H, Xing W, Xia W, Jia P, Yuan K, Guo F, Ran J, Wang X, Ren Y, Dong L, Sun S, Xu D, Li J. Short-term association of fine particulate matter and its constituents with oxidative stress, symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis: A panel study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 182:108319. [PMID: 37980881 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its specific constituents might exacerbate allergic rhinitis (AR) conditions. However, the evidence is still inconclusive. METHOD We conducted a panel study of 49 patients diagnosed with AR > 1 year prior to the study in Taiyuan, China, to investigate associations of individual exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents with oxidative parameters, symptoms, and quality of life among AR patients. All participants underwent repeated assessments of health and PM exposure at 4 time points in both the heating and nonheating seasons from June 2017 to January 2018. AR patients' oxidative parameters were assessed using nasal lavage, and their subjective symptoms and quality of life were determined through in-person interviews using a structured questionnaire. Short-term personal exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents was estimated using the time-microenvironment-activity pattern and data from the nearest air sampler, respectively. We applied mixed-effects regression models to estimate the short-term effects of PM2.5 and its constituents. RESULTS The results showed that exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents, including BaP, PAHs, SO42-, NH4+, V, Cr, Cu, As, Se, Cd, and Pb, was significantly associated with increased oxidative stress, as indicated by an increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) index. Exposure to PM2.5 and its components (V, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, and Se) was associated with decreased antioxidant activity, as indicated by a decrease in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) index. Additionally, increased visual analog scale (VAS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores indicated that exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents exacerbated inflammatory symptoms and affected quality of life in AR patients. CONCLUSION Exposure to PM2.5 and specific constituents, could exacerbate AR patients' inflammatory symptoms and adversely affect their quality of life in the heavily industrialized city of Taiyuan, China. These findings may have potential biological and policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haisheng Wu
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Weiwei Xing
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenrong Xia
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Jia
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kun Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Guo
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Jinjun Ran
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanxin Ren
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lina Dong
- Core Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Donggang Xu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Tran HM, Tsai FJ, Lee YL, Chang JH, Chang LT, Chang TY, Chung KF, Kuo HP, Lee KY, Chuang KJ, Chuang HC. The impact of air pollution on respiratory diseases in an era of climate change: A review of the current evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:166340. [PMID: 37591374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of climate change and air pollution on respiratory diseases present significant global health challenges. This review aims to investigate the effects of the interactions between these challenges focusing on respiratory diseases. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events amplifying air pollution levels and exacerbating respiratory diseases. Air pollution levels are projected to rise due to ongoing economic growth and population expansion in many areas worldwide, resulting in a greater burden of respiratory diseases. This is especially true among vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with pre-existing respiratory disorders. These challenges induce inflammation, create oxidative stress, and impair the immune system function of the lungs. Consequently, public health measures are required to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution on respiratory health. The review proposes that reducing greenhouse gas emissions contribute to slowing down climate change and lessening the severity of extreme weather events. Enhancing air quality through regulatory and technological innovations also helps reduce the morbidity of respiratory diseases. Moreover, policies and interventions aimed at improving healthcare access and social support can assist in decreasing the vulnerability of populations to the adverse health effects of air pollution and climate change. In conclusion, there is an urgent need for continuous research, establishment of policies, and public health efforts to tackle the complex and multi-dimensional challenges of climate change, air pollution, and respiratory health. Practical and comprehensive interventions can protect respiratory health and enhance public health outcomes for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Minh Tran
- Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Public Health, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Viet Nam
| | - Feng-Jen Tsai
- Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Hwa Chang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Chang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yuan Chang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Han-Pin Kuo
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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