Air Pollution Skin Effects and Hospital Admissions for Eczema in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Published in: Asia-Pacific journal of molecular biology and biotechnology Vol. 29; p. 117
• Main Authors: Sundram, Thavin Kumar Mathana, Tan, Eugenie Sin-Sing, Cheah, Shiau Chuen, San Lim, Hwee, Seghayat, Marjan Sadat, Bustami, Normina Ahmad, Tan, Chung Keat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 01-06-2021
• Subjects: Air pollution; Correlation; Eczema; Epidemiology; Health care facilities; Health risks; Indoor environments; Outdoor air quality; Particulate matter; Public health; Skin; Skin diseases; Malaysia
• ISSN: 0128-7451

Introduction: Adverse health effects due to air pollution have become a major global public health concern over the decades. Epidemiological studies are suggestive of PM2.5's adverse effect on human skin; however, the findings remain limited. This study aims to compare the association of ambient air PM2.5 with skin dryness and itchiness among indoor and outdoor workers and also association between PM2.5 concentration and hospital admission for eczema cases. Methods: A 2 cycle - 3 months cohort follow-up study was conducted involving 440 respondents being categorized as indoor and outdoor workers with 220 respondents on each arm. Weekly selfreporting questionnaire on skin dryness and itchiness using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were conducted. Demographic information was collected at recruitment stage. A DustTrakTM Aerosol Monitor Model 8520 was used to obtain PM2.5 concentrations. Daily hospital eczema admission data were obtained from hospital records of University Malaya Medical Centre. Results: Between indoor and outdoor workers, change in mean score of skin dryness and itchiness were significantly different (p<0.05) for both cycles. Moderate to strong correlation for skin dryness and strong correlation for skin itchiness was established among indoor workers against PM2.5 concentrations. Moderate negative correlation (r=-0.539) was established for eczema admission against PM2.5 concentration. Conclusion: Stronger correlation seen for indoor workers skin symptoms. Findings are suggestive of a potential relationship with PM2.5 concentration and could serve as evidence for future studies though a causal link could not be established.