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Diseases

Air Pollution Linked to Increased Risk of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Zhengzhou University in China conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between air pollution and the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). The study found significant associations between high concentrations of air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and sulfur dioxide (SO), and the risk of HFMD. The findings suggest that government departments should implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate air pollution, thereby reducing the prevalence of HFMD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included a comprehensive search of published literature up to May 12, 2025, through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus.
  • A total of 17 relevant records were included in the study, which revealed significant associations between high concentrations of air pollutants and the risk of HFMD.
  • The study found significant associations between high concentrations of air pollutants, including PM10 (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04-1.29; I² = 97.3%), NO (RR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03-1.38, I² = 83.1%), and SO (RR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.14-1.99, I² = 84.6%), and the risk of HFMD.
  • The study recommended that government departments implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate air pollution, thereby reducing the prevalence of HFMD.
  • The study also recommended that targeted preventive measures be adopted during periods of high air pollution, such as minimizing children's outdoor activities.

Statistics:

  • The study found a relative risk (RR) of 1.16 (95% CI: 1.04-1.29) for the association between PM10 and risk of HFMD.
  • The study found a relative risk (RR) of 1.19 (95% CI: 1.03-1.38) for the association between NO and risk of HFMD.
  • The study found a relative risk (RR) of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.14-1.99) for the association between SO and risk of HFMD.
  • The study included a total of 17 relevant records in the meta-analysis.

Sources:

  • Association between ambient air pollution and risk of hand, foot, and mouth disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 2025;25(1):2663.
  • BioMed Central.
  • NewsRx LLC. Researchers at Zhengzhou University Discuss Findings in Public Health (Association between ambient air pollution and risk of hand, foot, and mouth disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis). Health & Medicine Week. August 29, 2025; p 6415.

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