Exposure to air pollution in the first year of life increases risk for allergies

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-05/uobc-eta050315.php

Public Release: 4-May-2015
University of British Columbia

New research from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study shows that exposure to outdoor air pollution during the first year of life increases the risk of developing allergies to food, mould, pets and pests.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, showed that the sensitivity to allergens was associated with exposure to traffic-related air pollution during infancy.

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The study also found that children who live with furry pets and no attached garage were more likely to have no sensitivity to allergens.

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"We also found that children who attended daycare or with older siblings in the household were less likely to develop allergic sensitization, suggesting that exposure to other children can be protective."

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