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Environmental Exposures may Hold the Key; Impact of Air Pollution, Greenness, and Rural/Farm Lifestyle on Allergic Outcomes

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

There has been an increased prevalence of allergy. Due to this relatively rapid rise, changes in environmental exposures are likely the main contributor. In this review, we highlight literature from the last 3 years pertaining to the role of air pollution, greenness, and the rural/farm lifestyle and their association with the development of allergic sensitization, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and allergic rhinitis in infancy and childhood. Because asthma has a more complex pathophysiology, it was excluded from this review.

Recent Findings

Recent studies support a role for air pollution, greenness, and rural/farming lifestyle influencing atopic outcomes that continue to be defined. While many studies have examined singular environmental exposures, the interconnectedness of these exposures and others points to a need for future work to consider an individual’s whole exposure.

Summary

Environmental exposures’ influence on atopic disease development remains an ongoing and important area of study.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Allergy and Immunology, Center for Food Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 777, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Courtney M. Jackson, Alexandra N. Kaplan & Kirsi M. Järvinen

  2. Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 777, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Kirsi M. Järvinen

  3. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 777, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Kirsi M. Järvinen

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Courtney M. Jackson reports grants from NIH, outside the submitted work; Alexandra N. Kaplan no conflict of interest. Kirsi M. Jarvinen reports grants from NIH, grants from Janssen R&D, grants from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, personal fees from DBV, personal fees from Janssen R&D, grants from Aimmune, personal fees from Up-To-Date, personal fees from Jovie, outside the submitted work.

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Jackson, C.M., Kaplan, A.N. & Järvinen, K.M. Environmental Exposures may Hold the Key; Impact of Air Pollution, Greenness, and Rural/Farm Lifestyle on Allergic Outcomes. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 23, 77–91 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-022-01061-y

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