The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma and pollinosis is steadily increasing and seems to be associated with modern lifestyle. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that high living standards and hygienic conditions reduce exposure to microbial components, and lead to an imbalance in the immune system, especially in the Thl and Th2 system, which increases the risk for the development of allergic diseases.

However, recent accumulated epidemiological evidences have demonstrated that air pollutants including diesel exhaust particulate (DEP) and NO2 are responsible for the increased prevalence of allergies. The effects of environmental chemicals have also been supported by the in vivo and in vitro studies. It is important to prevent allergy development in our life as early as possible (e.g., since our infancy). 

Reference: Nakamura H, Hitomi Y., Environmental factors in allergic diseases, Kanazawa University, Nippon Rinsho. 2009 Nov;67(11):2043-7.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 and is filed under Air Pollution, Allergies, Asthma, Chemical Exposure, Clinical Diagnostics, Environmental Exposure, Environmental Illnesses, Indoor Air Pollution, Prevention. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or Trackback from your own site.