Peanut levels in the home may indicate allergy risk

A research group led by Professor Lack at King's College London School of Medicine is currently conducting a study looking at whether babies who are exposed to high levels of peanuts in house dust are more likely to develop a peanut allergy.

Previous studies have shown that peanut allergy is more common in children with eczema, a condition that impairs the skin barrier. There are also data to suggest that skin exposure to peanut can lead to the subsequent development of peanut allergy, with links between household peanut consumption and prevalence of peanut allergy. In particular, results from earlier work by Professor Lack’s research group showed that household peanut consumption in the home in the previous six months was related to the amount of peanut that was measurable in the parent's bed-sheets and also in their baby's bed-sheets and play areas.

The current study includes 3,250 children from the USA, Australia, Sweden and the UK who have been followed up from birth or early infancy. Researchers are measuring the levels of peanut protein in dust samples taken from the children's homes including from bed linen, mattresses and sofas.

Results are expected to add to the knowledge of how peanut allergy develops, and may also assist in the development of strategies to prevent food allergies from developing.