In this episode, Jeremy Cordeaux hosts Professor Rachael Peters from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute alongside Les Elekes. The conversation delves into Professor Peters' research on childhood allergies, particularly the link between air pollution and peanut allergies. They discuss the hygiene hypothesis, the role of environmental pollutants, the importance of microbial exposure in early childhood, and the emerging practice of oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies. The discussion also touches on the potential of vitamin D in preventing allergic diseases.

Topics Discussed;

• Professor Peters' research on air pollution's impact on children's peanut allergies (00:00)
• Health Nuts Study and findings on how pollution exposure influences allergy development (02:01)
• Allergies and other pollutants: possible connections to synthetic materials in the modern environment (04:18)
• Hygiene hypothesis and the importance of microbial exposure for immune development (08:57)​
• Potential of vitamin D in supporting immune health and possibly reducing allergies (11:07)​
• Oral immunotherapy as a treatment for peanut allergies, with emphasis on medical supervision (12:59)​

Join Jeremy Cordeaux for The Court of Public Opinion LIVE every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., streaming round the dining room table at jeremycordeaux.com and via Auscast Radio at auscastnetwork.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.