Atopic illnesses are allergy-related and often affect the respiratory system. There are three classic kinds of atopy: atopic dermatitis (eczema), hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and allergic asthma.
It is estimated that around 23 million Europeans suffer some kind of respiratory disorder. A German study has linked increases in hay fever, eczema and asthma in Swedish, Swiss, Danish and Bavarian children have been linked to vehicle exhaust particles. In addition to these self-contained afflictions, there is less resistance to a whole range of infections, symptoms of a weakened immune system.