Pesticides in Tap Water, Produce Linked to Food Allergies

Chemical may harm body's healthy bacteria

Pesticides in produce and drinking water may be contributing to the increase of food allergies, according to a new study. Researchers found that participants who had concentrations of chemical dichlorophenols in their urine were also 80 percent more likely to have a food allergy. The chemical is used to chlorinate tap water and keep pests off produce. Researchers believe dichlorophenols may alter the healthy bacteria growing in the human gut, which plays an active role in immune system functioning. "Adults can develop food allergies even though they're not kids anymore. Adult allergies to foods are on the rise. That certainly includes shellfish and fish allergies, but also peanuts. We don't know what influences this development. But having been exposed to dichlorophenols in our study suggests there could be some link," says allergist and study author Dr. Elina Jerschow. (CNN)

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