Climate change, migration, and allergic respiratory diseases: an update for the allergist

World Allergy Organ J. 2011 Jul;4(7):120-5. doi: 10.1097/WOX.0b013e3182260a57. Epub 2011 Jul 14.

Abstract

Local climate changes can impact on a number of factors, including air pollution, that have been shown to influence both the development and attacks of allergic respiratory diseases, and thus, they represent an important consideration for the allergist. Migration involves exposure to a new set of pollutants and allergens as well as changes in housing conditions, diet, and accessibility to medical services, all of which are likely to affect migrants' health. This review provides an update on climate change, migration, and allergy and discusses factors for consideration when making recommendations for local allergy service provision and for assessing an individual patient's environmental exposures.