Why are allergies rising in the developed world?

Natalie Brennan, 3rd year science student at NUI Maynooth, and winner of the 2012 Whittaker Award with biology lecturer at NUIM, and a judge on the night, Dr David Fitzpatrick.

The incidence of asthma, eczema and other allergies is rising in the developed world, with Ireland right at the top of the list in terms of the ratio of people affected.

Why is this happening?

We discuss this with Natalie Brennan, a 3rd year, science student,w ho recently won the 34th annual NUI Maynooth Whitakker Award for her talk on an allergic condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Natalie’s eight-year old son is affected by the condition.

LISTEN: Interview with Natalie Brennan

Broadcast on Science Spinning on 103.2 Dublin City FM on 15.03.2012