High rates of air pollution are a fact of city life that people have grown accustomed to living with. But they harm the health of city dwellers in many different ways. Research shows that there are higher rates of allergies and asthma in city dwellers and those that live close to highways. Air pollutants are proven to be hazardous to overall health and are known triggers of respiratory allergies.

However, research has proven that they also trigger eczema and allergies. This is not surprising when we consider that eczema is caused by the inability of the skin to protect itself from irritants. When such compromised skin is exposed to city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies, it is bound to make the condition worse.

The main mechanism by which city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies harm the skin is by causing oxidative stress. In addition, they also cause a host of problems such as premature aging, acne, psoriasis, and cancer. These pollutants also have an immunomodulatory effect that makes the body more susceptible to allergies. Scientists have proven a correlation between city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies and elevated levels of total serum IgE, which is an allergy antibody that is produced as part of an allergic reaction in the people exposed to them.

The most commonly found primary air pollutants are nitrogen oxide compounds (NOx), sulfur oxide compounds, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic metals, ammonia, and radioactive pollutants. These primary pollutants react and form secondary pollutants that are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone, sulfuric acid, and smog.

1. Diesel smoke
A correlation between the increase in exhaust pollutants and respiratory allergies has been seen globally. It is also found that increased exposure to diesel smoke enhances the body’s production of IgE. Many studies around the world have proven that there is a clear connection between exposure to traffic pollution and higher rates of atopic dermatitis in children.

2. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAHs are released into the air through the burning of wood and organic material such as diesel and tobacco. They are found on the particulate matter that is suspended in the air in polluted areas. When the skin is exposed to PAHs over a long period, it gets absorbed and irritates and harms the skin. They cause a range of skin issues and are also thought to cause skin cancer.

3. Oxides
The nitrogen oxide compounds (NOx), sulfur oxide compounds, carbon monoxide (CO) cause oxidative damage to the skin. Studies have shown a clear connection between exposure to NOx and atopic dermatitis and eczema.

4. Ozone
Ozone is such a harmful pollutant that cities actually measure and track high ozone days. It is formed when NOx and VOCs react due to ultraviolet radiation. Ozone is a powerful oxidant that is one of the city pollutants that trigger eczema and allergies. It reacts with the oils in the skin and forms harmful chemicals.

So, if you are a person who suffers from atopic dermatitis, eczema, or any other skin allergies, you should be aware of how the air pollution in your environment could be making the condition worse.