Why are Allergies Increasing?
It is estimated that at least 10% of children and young adults have more than one allergic disorder. 1 Why is this figure so high? It would seem that the rise in allergic sufferers could stem from a number of contributing factors.
Genetics
Timing
Environment
With European children spending at least 90% of their lives indoors, the indoor environment is probably more important than other geographic and outdoor environmental factors. Many modern homes are built with economy in mind and are therefore effectively sealed off with little or no ventilation. This can lead to high levels of humidity and consequently an increased growth of allergens such as mould and dust mites both of which are associated with having a powerful effect on atopic children, along with exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and early childhood.2
Protection
- http://allergy-ireland.ie/media-publications/allergy-epidemic/ [paragraph 4, Consider these statistics]
- BMA; Title: Understanding allergies; Publication year:2006;Publisher: family doctor Publication; author: Dr Joanne Clough; Page 26.
