The Association between the Concentration of Heavy Metals in the Indoor Atmosphere and Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms in Children Aged between 4 and 13 Years: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: A correlation between the harmful effects of air pollutants and atopic dermatitis has been reported. There are few studies on the correlation between the concentration of heavy metals in the indoor atmosphere and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Methods: Twenty-two homes of children showing atopic dermatitis symptoms were enrolled, and eighteen homes with similarly aged children without symptoms or a history of atopic dermatitis participated as a control group. We measured the concentrations of various air pollutants (particulate matter 10, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, radon, bacterial aerosols, and mold) as well as various heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, in the living room and children's bedroom of each home.

Results: Lead was more commonly detected in the indoor air in houses of children with atopic dermatitis (15/22) as compared to in the control group (3/18) (chi square test, p = 0.002). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, VOCs and lead were significantly associated with atopic dermatitis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our study shows that lead in indoor air might be associated with atopic dermatitis, even if the concentrations of airborne lead are below the safety levels suggested by health guidelines.