Air pollutants, climate change factors may drive atopic dermatitis disease activity – Healio

Report on the Impact of Climate Change on Atopic Dermatitis and Its Relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Recent research highlights the significant association between environmental factors linked to climate change and the increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) among adults. This report emphasizes the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology, focusing on how ambient air pollution, temperature extremes, and other climatic factors contribute to AD-related healthcare visits. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting health, climate action, and sustainable cities.

Key Findings

• Exposure to environmental factors associated with climate change increases the likelihood of atopic dermatitis in adults.
• Ambient air pollution and temperature extremes have the most substantial impact on AD prevalence and severity.

Environmental Factors and Atopic Dermatitis

The meta-analysis reviewed 42 observational studies from 14 countries, spanning from 1985 to 2024, utilizing national health insurance data. The study found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and sulfate correlates with a 1% to 3% increased risk of AD-related emergency department (ED) and outpatient visits. This increase in risk has a substantial impact on urban and regional healthcare systems, depending on population density.

Climate Factors Influencing AD

1. Temperature Extremes: Both extreme hot and cold temperatures are associated with increased AD-related clinical visits, supported by moderate to high certainty evidence.
2. Humidity and Precipitation: Higher humidity levels are moderately associated with increased AD severity, while evidence for precipitation effects remains of low certainty.
3. Sunlight Exposure: The association between sunlight exposure and AD severity is uncertain with very low certainty.
4. Other Environmental Exposures: Exposure to secondhand smoke, traffic pollution, and industrial pollutants is moderately linked to increased AD prevalence.

Public Health and Policy Implications

• The World Health Organization (WHO) updated air quality guidelines in 2021 to lower acceptable levels of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂, yet global implementation remains inconsistent, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Disparities in pollution exposure persist within high-income countries, disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minority groups.
• Public health interventions are necessary to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of environmental pollution and climate change.
• Further research is essential to understand the biological mechanisms linking climate change and AD pathogenesis, with a focus on socioeconomic factors, urbanization, and pollution exposure disparities.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing environmental determinants of atopic dermatitis contributes to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and improving population health.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Mitigating air pollution and managing urban environmental factors are critical to creating healthier living spaces and reducing AD incidence.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Recognizing and addressing the health impacts of climate change, such as increased AD prevalence, underscores the urgency of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Efforts to reduce disparities in pollution exposure and healthcare access align with goals to promote equity and social inclusion.

Conclusion

The evidence demonstrates a clear link between climate change-related environmental factors and increased atopic dermatitis activity, emphasizing the need for integrated public health policies and climate action. Addressing these challenges supports multiple SDGs by promoting health, reducing inequalities, and fostering sustainable urban environments.

Contact Information

• Dr. Samiha Mohsen, MD, MSc: samiha.mohsen@ucalgary.ca
• Megan Park, BSc: megan.park@mail.utoronto.ca

Disclosures

Dr. Mohsen and Ms. Park report no relevant financial disclosures. Refer to the original study for disclosures related to other authors.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the impact of environmental factors, such as air pollution and climate change, on atopic dermatitis (AD), a health condition, highlighting the connection to health and well-being.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article emphasizes the role of climate change, including temperature extremes and other climatic factors, in exacerbating atopic dermatitis, linking the issue to climate action.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions urban pollution and disparities in exposure to pollutants, which relate to sustainable urban environments and reducing pollution.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights disparities in pollution exposure among racial and ethnic minority groups, indicating social inequalities in environmental health risks.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health-related Indicators (SDG 3)
   • Incidence and prevalence rates of atopic dermatitis (AD) related emergency department (ED) and outpatient clinic visits.
   • Risk ratios associated with increases in particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution levels.
2. Environmental Quality Indicators (SDG 11 and 13)
   • Concentration levels of ambient air pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2.
   • Frequency and intensity of temperature extremes (hot and cold).
   • Levels of precipitation, humidity, and sunlight exposure.
3. Social Inequality Indicators (SDG 10)
   • Disparities in exposure to air pollution among racial and ethnic minority groups.
   • Access to public health measures and policies to protect vulnerable populations.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: healio.com