Suspended Particulate Matter and Allergic Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

The positive relationship between air pollution and allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma was suggested by epidemiological studies. Comparison of the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and increased prevalence of allergic diseases indicated that air pollutants may stimulate some mechanisms in allergic response. This paper reviews the effects of SPM on mucociliary clearance, alveolar macrophage functions, IgE antibody production, mast cell function and hyperreactivity. The validation of immunological parameters in animal experiments and future direction of im munol ogical approach are discussed.