High levels of dichlorophenols (used in pesticides and to chlorinate water) have been associated with food allergies.

Study was published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Off course it's hard to say which source is the most problematic - tap water, foods grown with pesticides, or food grown with pesticides AND contaminated water.  More than likely the cumulative affect.  Which means it might not be enough to just switch to drinking bottled water.

15 million Americans are affected by food allergies

Food allergies increase by 18% from 1997 - 2007 (only 10 years!)

More than 50% of 2,211 people who tested for high levels of dichlorophenols had allergies

Read more:

What a great article from Julie Matthews.  Allergies and intolerances are so common these days that you're almost the odd-one-out if you don't react to something.  Many theories exist around the cause of allergies, but it's hard to get anyone to listen unless it's been 'scientifically proven'.  

One of these theories have now become fact as researchers prove that high levels of dichlorophenols in urine samples, i.e. CHLORINE, are associated with food sensitivities.  Sources include:

tap water

pool water

pesticides

triclosan (antibacterial agent used in soaps, lipsticks and other bodycare products)

The reason for this can be two-fold:

The actual chemical disrupting immune function

Killing of good bacteria that protects and modulates our immune systems

Regardless, this should be enough evidence for us to take note and start reducing our exposure.  Julie Matthews suggest the following measures:

Avoid chlorine

Avoid chemical-based antibacterial soaps

Salt-water pools as an alternative to Chlorinated pools

Water filters for drinking and shower water

Avoid pesticides

Avoid products with antibacterial agents

Choose chlorine-free body care products

For the full article, click here.