Abstract
Analysis of selected allergic diseases among children and adolescents in the context of air pollution emissions in Poland
Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
Regional Teacher Training Centre WOM, Bielsko-Biala, Poland
School Complex, Cieszyn, Poland
Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Kujawska University of Applied Sciences, Wloclawek, Poland
Technical Education School Complex, Lodz, Poland
Alergologia Polska – Polish Journal of Allergology 2026; 13, 3: 203-211
Introduction
The problem of air pollution occurs in both large urban areas and small towns. Harmful substances in the air are among the main causes of respiratory and circulatory system diseases in children. Factors contributing to the susceptibility to disease in this age group include an underdeveloped respiratory system and a higher respiratory rate per minute.
Aim
The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the epidemiology of selected allergic diseases among children and adolescents and the emission of atmospheric air pollutants in Poland and their average annual concentrations.
Material and methods
Data on the incidence of selected allergic diseases in children and adolescents in Poland were obtained from the Department of Health of the Silesian Voivodeship Office in Katowice, data on total emissions of selected pollutants were obtained from the National Center for Emission Balancing and Management, and data on average annual atmospheric air concentrations were obtained from the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. All of the above data cover all of Poland for the period from 2018 to 2024. Pearson correlation and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used.
Results
Mean annual PM10 concentrations were 32.1 μg/m3 in 2018 and 20.2 μg/m3 in 2024. The asthma incidence rate showed a decreasing trend, reaching 351.2/10,000 in 2018 and 317.4/10,000 in 2024. Total sulfur dioxide emissions were 495.41 Gg in 2018 and 265.43 Gg in 2024.
Conclusions
The analysis of average annual selected air concentrations showed that air quality has been improving since 2018. Along with the decrease in atmospheric air pollution concentrations, a decrease in the incidence of selected allergic diseases among children and adolescents in Poland was also noted.
Keywords
allergic disease, asthma, air pollution, PM25 particulate matter, pollutant emissions
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