Environmental Tobacco Smoke Sensitization

Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting children worldwide and its prevalence has tripled in the last 30 years. Though a genetic predisposition is generally believed essential for asthma to ensue, environmental exposures to immunotoxins have been demonstrated to play a role in the induction of asthma. Two studies have shown that children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) have increased incidences of asthma. Young children (aged 2 months to 5 years) who are exposed to ETS are more than twice as likely to be sensitized and develop asthma than their cohorts who are not so exposed. I38,39  

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Bascom R, Kulle T, Kagey-Sobotka A, Proud D Upper respiratory tract environmental tobacco smoke sensitivity. Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 143 1304-1311. 

However, it seems reasonable to support any activity that reduces occupational and environmental exposure to sensitizing and irritant agents, and inert aerosols and dust. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in early life ought to be avoided, and breastfeeding should be encouraged for the first 4-6 months of life. 

Although relevant immunobiological mechanisms can be envisaged, it must be emphasized that there are currently available no compelling data to indicate that normal exposure to environmental pollutants, other than perhaps tobacco smoke, will induce or enhance allergic sensitization. Nevertheless, the possibility that environmental factors influence susceptibility to chemical respiratory allergens can not be excluded. 

Nickel normally occurs at very low levels in the environment, and therefore, very sensitive methods are needed to detect nickel in most environmental samples. You may be exposed to nickel by breathing air, drinking water, eating food, or smoking tobacco containing nickel. 

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