An Overview of Rising CO(2) and Climatic Change on Aeroallergens and Allergic Diseases

There are a number of implications of climate change in regard to human health. Among these, the role of rising carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and temperature in aeroallergen exposure and associated changes in the start, duration and intensity of the pollen season, and associated consequences in aeroallergens and allergic disease are a primary concern. This review is intended to provide a synopsis of CO(2) and climate factors associated with likely changes in aeroallergen biology (indoor and outdoor), including changes in the demography of flowering plants, pollen seasonality, aeroallergen production, and potential biotic and abiotic interactions. These factors, in turn, are compared to clinical trials that have linked aeroallergens to allergic disease and associated health impacts. Finally, suggestions to address unmet needs and critical knowledge gaps are offered. Such recommendations are not meant to be inclusive, but to serve as a spur for the additional research and resources that will be necessary to acquire a better understanding of climate change, CO(2), aeroallergens and associated allergic diseases. Such resources will be critical to derive time-relevant scientific and policy solutions that will minimize public health consequences in a changing climate.