Air Pollution to Increased Peanut Allergies in Babies

News Desk

Islamabad: New research from Australia suggests that babies exposed to polluted air may be more likely to develop peanut allergies as they grow. However, this association was not observed with other immune-related conditions, such as egg allergies or eczema.

Led by Dr Diego Lopez from the University of Melbourne, the study highlights the potential impact of environmental pollution on the increasing prevalence of food allergies.

Dr Lopez noted, “Air pollutants have an irritant and inflammatory effect that may enhance the immune system’s pro-allergic response, potentially triggering the development of food allergies.” While the exact mechanisms behind the increased risk of peanut allergies due to pollution remain unclear, the findings suggest a significant link.

The groundbreaking study monitored nearly 5,300 children from Melbourne, who were enrolled at the age of one and followed up at ages four, six, and ten.

Researchers tracked local air pollution levels in the children’s neighborhoods, focusing on two key pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The analysis revealed a notable correlation between rising pollution levels and an increased likelihood of developing peanut allergies.

Food allergies in the children were diagnosed through a food challenge, considered the “gold standard” for allergy diagnosis.

Associate Professor Rachel Peters from MCRI, who was not involved in the study, stated that these findings support the theory that environmental factors are contributing to the rising rates of allergies.

Melbourne resident Eleanor Jenkin, whose 8-year-old daughter Mae suffers from a severe egg allergy, commended the research as vital for families dealing with food allergies.

“Multiple factors are behind the allergy epidemic, and if higher levels of air pollution are influencing prevalence and persistence, then that’s an important discovery,” Jenkin said. “We want to see the quality of life improve for children living with allergies, and the more we know about how to prevent them, the better.”

The full findings of the study will be published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice on Wednesday.