Can tap water cause allergies?

Research has shown that a high level of dichlorofenolu, used in pesticides and chlorinated water, is associated with food allergies. 

“This chemical is widely used in pesticides used by farmers to protect their crops, as well as in tap water,” says lead author of the study, Dr. Elina Jerschow. Among 10 348 study participants US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, in 2 traces of dichlorophenol were found in urine, of which 548 were investigated in more detail. Food allergy was detected in 411 study participants, while environmental allergy – in 1 people. “Earlier studies indicated an increasing incidence of allergies in the United States, both environmental and food allergies,” says Dr. Jerschow. “Our research shows that the two trends may be interrelated, and the increased use of pesticides and other chemicals is associated with an increased incidence of food allergies.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 1997-2007 there was 18% increase in the number of allergiesi. The most common are allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, hazelnuts and shellfish. A symptom of food allergy can be both rash and anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. ACCAI advises all allergy sufferers to take an additional dose of epinephrine. A delay in taking this substance is often noted in cases of fatal allergic reactions.

source: ScienceNews.pl

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