Allergies caused by consumer products and foods
- 1. German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
Description
Around the world allergies are one of the biggest health problems. They impair the quality of
life of a large part of the population and have major economic repercussions. The German
Study on the Health of Children and Adolescents (KIGGS)1 revealed that 40.8% of the
children examined are sensitised to at least one allergen based on specific IgE antibodies to
dietary and inhalation antigens. According to this study 16.7% of all children and adolescents
currently suffer from allergic symptoms or disorders.
The number of allergic diseases is on the increase. In Germany it varies from region to
region. There are different types of immunological-allergic responses. Airborne allergens and
foods normally trigger a type I reaction which may manifest in seasonal or year-long common
cold, nettle rash, bronchial asthma and allergic inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli. In rare
cases hypersensitivity to certain substances may also trigger immediate life-threatening
responses (anaphylactic shock). Skin allergies (type IV contact allergies) may be caused by
various components in consumer products like cosmetics, clothing or toys. The Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) was asked by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture
and Consumer Protection (BMELV) to present the current level of scientific findings on
allergies caused by consumer products and foods by way of preparation for the National
Action Plan on Allergies.
Notes
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