Impact of climate change on allergic diseases in Germany

J Health Monit. 2023 Sep 6;8(Suppl 4):76-102. doi: 10.25646/11654. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Allergic diseases, especially inhalation allergies, have reached epidemic levels and environmental factors play an important role in their development. Climate change influences the occurrence, frequency, and severity of allergic diseases.

Methods: The contents of this article were selected by the authors and developed section by section according to their expertise and the current state of knowledge. The sections were then discussed and agreed upon amongst all authors.

Results: The article highlights direct and indirect effects of climate change on allergies. It goes into detail about the connections between climate change and (new) pollen allergens as well as (new) occupational inhalation allergens, explains the effects of climate change on the clinical picture of atopic dermatitis, discusses the connections between air pollutants and allergies, and provides information about the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma.

Conclusions: There is a need for action in the field of pollen and fungal spore monitoring, allergy and sensitisation monitoring, urban planning from an allergological perspective, and changes in the working environment, among others.

Keywords: AIR POLLUTANTS; ALLERGY; CLIMATE CHANGE; INHALANT ALLERGENS; MONITORING; OCCUPATION; POLLEN.

Grants and funding

The publication was coordinated through the project KlimGesundAkt, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (chapter 1504; title 54401 HJ2021; duration 07/2021–06/2024).