Allergy Study Shows Mold and Ragweed Levels Rising

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Allergy Study Shows Mold and Ragweed Levels Rising | Health | Epoch Times

Allergy Study Shows Mold and Ragweed Levels Rising

By Cassie Epoch Times Staff Created: May 27, 2011 Last Updated: May 28, 2011

Sensitization to ragweed has risen by 15 percent in the United States, according to the nation's largest-ever cross-sectional study, conducted by Quest Diagnostics Health Trends. (Sue Sweeney/Wikimedia)

Allergies have increased in the United States mostly due to increases in ragweed and mold sensitivities, according to preliminary results from the nation’s largest-ever cross-sectional study, conducted by Quest Diagnostics Health Trends.Called “Allergies Across America,†the four-year analysis of almost 14 million allergy tests from more than two million patient visits shows that sensitization to the two substances rose most out of the 11 most common allergens tested: 15 percent for ragweed and 12 percent for mold.The combined increase for all of the allergens together, including house dust mites, cats, dogs, and certain foods, was 5.8 percent."We believe this is the first large national study to show that the growing prevalence of allergies, suggested by other studies, is largely due to increases in environment-based allergens previously associated with climate change," said study author Dr. Stanley J. Naides at Quest Diagnostics In a press release."Given concerns about a warming climate, additional research is needed to confirm these findings and assess the possible implications for public health."

Allergies have increased in the United States mostly due to increases in ragweed and mold sensitivities, according to preliminary results from the nation’s largest-ever cross-sectional study, conducted by Quest Diagnostics Health Trends.Called “Allergies Across America,†the four-year analysis of almost 14 million allergy tests from more than two million patient visits shows that sensitization to the two substances rose most out of the 11 most common allergens tested: 15 percent for ragweed and 12 percent for mold