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Article: Rise in peanut allergies leaves scientists puzzled.(Life - Health)
- Article from:
- Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)
- Article date:
- December 27, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Albany Times Union. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: SAMEH FAHMY The Tennessean
The number of people with food allergies - and peanut allergies in particular - is on the rise, but researchers aren't sure why.
The leading theory is the hygiene hypothesis, which holds that with the advent of better sanitation, the body doesn't learn to tell the difference between real threats such as viruses and bacteria and everyday substances such as peanuts and pollen.
Those who support the theory say children in developed nations have a higher risk of allergies, and children who are enrolled in day care or have older siblings or pets have a lower risk of allergies.
Another theory is that the use of lotions and soaps ...