Living in the Vicinity of a Farm May Prevent Allergies

Past research has shown that children who grow up on farms develop fewer allergies, but what about people who live near farms? Researchers surveyed 2,500 adults who lived in rural areas and found that those who resided within about 1,000 feet of livestock were 27% less likely to have allergies compared to those who lived further away. The authors say the finding supports the “hygiene hypothesis,” which states that exposing the immune-system to allergy triggers called antigens actually helps prime the body against developing allergies. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, April 2018