Anthropogenic climate change and allergen exposure: The role of plant biology - 24/12/11
Abstract |
Accumulation of anthropogenic gases, particularly CO2, is likely to have 2 fundamental effects on plant biology. The first is an indirect effect through Earth’s increasing average surface temperatures, with subsequent effects on other aspects of climate, such as rainfall and extreme weather events. The second is a direct effect caused by CO2-induced stimulation of photosynthesis and plant growth. Both effects are likely to alter a number of fundamental aspects of plant biology and human health, including aerobiology and allergic diseases, respectively. This review highlights the current and projected effect of increasing CO2 and climate change in the context of plants and allergen exposure, emphasizing direct effects on plant physiologic parameters (eg, pollen production) and indirect effects (eg, fungal sporulation) related to diverse biotic and abiotic interactions. Overall, the review assumes that future global mitigation efforts will be limited and suggests a number of key research areas that will assist in adapting to the ongoing challenges to public health associated with increased allergen exposure.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Climate change, aerobiology, pollen, allergen, allergic rhinitis, asthma, exposure
Abbreviations used : IPCC, PM
Plan
Disclosure of potential conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no relevant conflicts of interest. |
Vol 129 - N° 1
P. 27-32 - janvier 2012 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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