Yale Study Links Air Pollution to Increased Eczema Risk

A recent study from Yale School of Medicine reveals a significant connection between air pollution and the rising rates of eczema in the U.S., SciTech Daily reported yesterday.

Published in PLOS ONE on November 13, the research analyzed data from over 286,000 adults and found that those living in areas with high levels of PM 2.5, fine particulate matter from sources like vehicle emissions and industrial activities, are twice as likely to develop eczema.

The study indicates that 4.4% of participants had been diagnosed with eczema, with the likelihood of the condition increasing significantly alongside rising PM 2.5 levels. For every 10 µm/m³ increase in pollution, the risk of developing eczema more than doubled. The findings highlight the potential health implications of environmental pollution on skin conditions and emphasize the need for further investigation into how air quality affects immune responses.