Correlation Between Allergic Conjunctivitis And Environmental Factors In Northeast China

Objective:This study aims to explore the potential relationship between incidence of allergic conjunctivitis（IAC）and environmental factors by analyzing the correlation between IAC and atmospheric pollution and meteorological factors in Northeast China,and identify the main environmental factors affecting IAC,so as to provide key parameters for the formulation of air pollution,climate change control measures and health care policies.Methods:The IAC,air pollution data and meteorological data were collected from 20 major cities in Northeast China（Jiamusi,Harbin,Daqing,Tieling,Fushun,Shenyang,Huludao,Benxi,Dandong,Anshan,Dalian,Songyuan,Baicheng,Changchun,Jilin,Siping,Liaoyuan,Yanbian,Yingkou and Panjin）during 2014-2018.The spatial and temporal variation trend of IAC and its correlation with atmospheric pollution and meteorological conditions were analyzed,and the main influencing factors were screened out and the threshold values were determined.Results:The IAC in Northeast China was significantly correlated with air pollution and meteorological conditions,and the IAC was positively correlated with PM_2.5,NO₂,air pressure and wind speed（p<0.05）,and the correlation coefficients were 0.57,0.54,0.63 and 0.54,respectively.The IAC was positively correlated with CO,SO₂,PM₁₀,O₃ and air temperature（p<0.01）,and the correlation coefficients were 0.92,0.85,0.75,0.83 and0.74,respectively.The IAC was negatively correlated with relative humidity（p<0.05）,and the correlation coefficient was-0.61.Conclusion:（1）The IAC in Northeast China increased significantly from 2014 to2018,with the average growth rate of the three provinces at 7.6%,among which Heilongjiang,Jilin and Liaoning increased by 5.9%,16.7%and5.7%,respectively.The IAC of provincial capital cities（Shenyang,Changchun,Harbin）was significantly higher than that of other cities.（2）The IAC in Northeast China is closely related to meteorological factors（air temperature,air pressure,relative humidity,wind speed）and air pollutants(PM_2.5,NO₂,CO,SO₂,PM₁₀,O₃),and air pollution had a stronger effect on IAC.（3）High temperature,low humidity,high concentrations of PM_2.5 and O₃ are important risk factors for allergic conjunctivitis.