Exposure to a farming environment protects individuals from respiratory allergy. The timing
and duration of exposure seem to play critical roles. The largest reduction in risk of
developing respiratory allergies is seen among those who are exposed prenatally and
continuously thereafter. Contact with farm animals, at least in childhood, likely confers
protection; other factors have not been completely identified. Also, the consumption of milk
directly from the farm during childhood has been shown to be beneficial with respect to …