Abstract
Allergic diseases are partly genetically determined, but environmental factors have a strong influence on the expression of allergic symptoms in genetically predisposed subjects. In particular, outdoor air pollution has received widespread attention as a potential manifestation factor. The unification of Germany provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of radically different environmental and social conditions on the development of allergies in two genetically homogenous populations. A high car density and N02 exposure were typical for many West German cities. Severe pollution due to heavy industrialization and private coal burning for healing purposes were the main sources of air pollution in East German cities.
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