Explain It to Me Why are my allergies getting worse?
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May 18, 2025 
Nilu Tumala, an ENT surgeon at NYU Langone Health, and Joseph Allen, director of Harvard's Healthy Buildings Program, join health journalist Dylan Scott for an eye-opening discussion on escalating allergy issues. They dive into how climate change is extending allergy seasons and raising pollen levels, affecting daily life. The conversation also uncovers the hidden dangers of indoor air pollution and examines innovative treatment options like Zolaire. Exciting insights into future allergy management and potential cures keep listeners engaged!
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Indoor Air and Allergies
- Outdoor allergens like pollen enter indoors, where people spend 90% of their time.
- Indoor air pollution from cooking and cleaning can be 5-100 times higher than outdoor levels.
Common Indoor Allergens
- Indoor allergens include pet dander, pest allergens, and chemicals called VOCs.
- These can irritate eyes and respiratory systems, especially in children.
Air Quality Affects Learning Equity
- Poor indoor air quality reduces kids' cognitive function and school performance.
- Disparities exist with mostly Black and low-income schools having worse ventilation.