True or false? Eight myths and facts about allergies

The World Health Organization estimates that 50% of the population will suffer from at least one allergy by 2050. Christine Rolland, director of the French association Asthme & Allergies, has helped sort fact from fiction when it comes to allergies.

More people suffer from allergies in spring than in winter. FALSE. People suffer from allergies all year long. You can be allergic to dust mites, animal hair, mold, foods or drugs, or have allergic asthma or skin reactions.

More people have allergies in the countryside than in urban areas. FALSE. Allergies are more common in urban settings, notably due to a convergence of factors. One of those factors is air pollution, which also aggravates pollen allergies. Allergies are increasingly common due to environmental factors. TRUE. One theory suggests that reduced biodiversity in our environment could cause changes to the body's intestinal and respiratory flora. This could reduce tolerance.

Indoor air is less polluted than outdoor air. FALSE. The indoor environment is five to 10 times more polluted than outdoors. In enclosed spaces, several allergens can provoke allergic reactions (dust mites, animal hair, mold, etc.). These are accompanied by the “domestic pollutants” used every day in indoor spaces. It strengthens immunity: Unfortunately, we are living in an environment full of pollutants, some of which we consume from the air we breathe in, water we drink and the food we eat. To make sure that our body can fight the radical damage, introducing food and drinks rich in antioxidants can lower the risk of cancer by clearing the blood. It helps getting rid of excess waste: Toxic substances and chemicals could lead to an inflexible