Air Pollution Linked to Atopic Dermatitis Burden in Children

Researchers searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases through February 10, 2026, for observational studies of air pollution exposure and atopic dermatitis outcomes in children younger than 18 years. The systematic review and meta-analysis included 52 studies from 2,528 citations. Random-effects models were used, and certainty was assessed with the GRADE framework.

Each 10-µg/m³ increase in nitrogen dioxide was associated with higher odds of atopic dermatitis outpatient visits (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.06-11.31), as was each 10-µg/m³ increase in sulfur dioxide (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.00-15.65); certainty was rated moderate for both findings. Each 10-µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 was associated with a small increase in prevalence (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.08), while the corresponding estimate for PM10 was OR 1.19 (95% CI, 1.06-1.35), also with moderate certainty. Findings for incidence and severity were mixed or did not support associations. The observational evidence indicates population-level associations and does not establish that pollution causes disease or changes management for individual children.