New research from Australia indicates that babies exposed to polluted air are at a higher risk of developing peanut allergies as they grow. However, this association was not found with other immune-related conditions like egg allergies or eczema.
Led by Dr. Diego Lopez from the University of Melbourne, the study suggests that environmental pollution may play a significant role in the increasing prevalence of food allergies. Dr. Lopez explained, “Air pollutants have an irritant and inflammatory effect that may enhance the immune system’s pro-allergic response, potentially triggering food allergies.” Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms behind the increased risk of peanut allergies—while conditions like egg allergy or eczema remain unaffected—are still unclear.
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The research tracked nearly 5,300 children in Melbourne, who were enrolled at age one and monitored at ages four, six, and ten. The study focused on local air pollution levels, particularly two major pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The analysis found a significant correlation between rising pollution levels and an increased likelihood of developing peanut allergies.
Food allergies were diagnosed using a food challenge, regarded as the “gold standard” in allergy diagnosis. Associate Professor Rachel Peters from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, who was not involved in the study, noted that these findings support the idea that environmental factors contribute to the rising rates of allergies.
Eleanor Jenkin, a Melbourne resident whose 8-year-old daughter Mae has a severe egg allergy, praised the research as vital for families dealing with food allergies. “Multiple factors contribute to the allergy epidemic, and if higher levels of air pollution are affecting prevalence and persistence, then that’s an important discovery,” Jenkin stated. “We want to see an improvement in the quality of life for children living with allergies, and the more we understand about prevention, the better.”
The complete findings of the study will be published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice on Wednesday.
