Allergies caused by consumer products and foods

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.DE; de; efsa-focal-point@bfr.bund.d