ABSTRACT

Introduction

Although mounting evidence has linked environmental factors with childhood allergies, some specific key issues still remain unclear: what is the main environmental factor? what is the critical timing window? And whether these contribute to the development of disease?

Areas covered

This selective review summarizes recent epidemiological studies on the association between early-life exposure to indoor/outdoor air pollution and childhood allergic diseases. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published until April 2020. Exposure to the traffic-related air pollutant, NO₂, exposure during pregnancy and early postnatal periods is found to be associated with childhood allergies, and exposure during different trimesters causes different allergic diseases. However, exposure to classical air pollutants (PM₁₀ and SO₂) also contributes to childhood allergy in developing countries. In addition, early-life exposure to indoor renovation and mold/dampness significantly increases the risk of allergy in children. A synergistic effect between indoor and outdoor air pollution is found in the development of allergic diseases.

Expert opinion

Early-life exposure to outdoor air pollution and indoor environmental factors plays an important role in the development of childhood allergic diseases, and the synergy between indoor and outdoor exposures increases allergy risk. The available findings support the hypothesis of the ‘fetal origins of childhood allergy,’ with new implications for the effective control and early prevention of childhood allergies.