The Burden of Air Pollution on Skin Health: a Brief Report and Call to Action

ConclusionThe synchronized atypical peaks of CO levels and AD-related visits during the summer of 2023 highlight the potential impact of acute air pollution events such as wildfires on air quality and the consequences for skin health. Air pollution, exacerbated by wildfires, can damage the skin through the smoke and chemicals utilized for extinguishing fires, which contain multiple potential allergens and irritants to the skin, such as CO, particulate matter (PM2.5), and ammonium phosphates, triggering airway and skin inflammation and flares of AD. This issue disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and the geriatric and pediatric populations. Healthcare professionals and government agencies must work together to improve air quality and purification policies and initiatives to lower the burden of skin disease, especially for vulnerable communities.
Source: Dermatology and Therapy - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research