Previously on this blog, we've documented some of the effects that climate change may have on people who suffer from allergies, noting that pollen allergy season has been worse over the past few years due to factors such as global warming. Unfortunately, it appears that pollen may not be the only allergen impacted by environmental changes.
According to LiveScience, researchers recently discovered that a certain fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus becomes more dangerous to people when it is in the presence of high carbon dioxide levels. The source reports that exposure to the mold-like substance can lead to side effects ranging from sneezing to anaphylaxis to deadly lung infections.
It is unclear if this same logic can be applied to other molds, but experts say that this is certainly a possibility.
"Since the mechanism is physiological it can certainly be relevant to other mold-allergens," said Naama Lang-Yona, a doctoral candidate in environmental sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, as noted by the news outlet. "It is most likely that growth condition changes also influence other types of allergens, but this needs to be further checked."
If you suffer from allergies of any kind, it's imperative that you do everything you can to keep your symptoms at a minimum. In addition to following your doctor's orders and taking any medication that has been prescribed to you, you can purchase allergy products for your home that will reduce your exposure to common household irritants. Check out the Allergy Be Gone website today to learn more about our hypoallergenic bedding and allergen air purifiers.
