Study Links Food Allergies To Pesticides In Tap Water

Why can't we seem to protect our supply of fresh water? Why do we allow pesticides and other contaminants to poison it and then allow it to be consumed?

A team of researchers at the journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology decided to look at whether a rise in food sensitivities was related to the use of environmental pesticides and purifying chemicals.

“We started to look into the question of why in westernized countries food allergies are so prevalent, says lead study author Dr. Elina Jerschow. “Pollutants are so widely available in the West through pesticides, herbicides and insecticides, there may be a link.” While the link does not establish a cause and effect relationship, the study finds an association between pesticide exposure and food allergies.

Key findings from the study:

• In 2007, approximately 3 million children under age 18 years (3.9%) were reported to have a food or digestive allergy in the previous 12 months.
• From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy increased 18% among children under age 18 years.
• Children with food allergy are two to four times more likely to have other related conditions such as asthma and other allergies, compared with children without food allergies.
• From 2004 to 2006, there were approximately 9,500 hospital discharges per year with a diagnosis related to food allergy among children under age 18 years.

Now can we start to figure out that we need clean water? Here's a link to the study.