[echelon]

> Or more likely not exposed to so many toxins when younger?

Or perhaps inversely, the older generation was exposed to more industrialized chemicals and their immune system developed a tolerance. Something akin to the hygiene hypothesis [1].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis

[crazygringo]

There's a big difference between common traditional natural substances and industrialized chemicals though.

My understanding is that our immune system learns through exposure that things like peanuts, pollen, gluten, etc. aren't bad, so lots of exposure to these things and playing in the dirt is healthy for kids.

On the other hand, from my understanding, we don't build up protection to industrial chemicals. They're just poison, plain and simple. The more you accumulate, the more you're likely to die.

[echelon]

Here's a good counter,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6454566/

> Hundreds of chemicals (e.g. metals, epoxy and acrylic resins, rubber additives, and chemical intermediates) and proteins (e.g. natural rubber latex, plant proteins, mould, animal dander) present in virtually every industry have been identified as causes of allergic disease. In general, allergens can be classified as low molecular weight (chemical) allergens and high molecular weight (protein) allergens. These agents are capable of inducing immunological responses that are both immunoglobulin E and non-immunoglobulin E-mediated.

---

IgE receptors can match against almost any shape. And they're not the only immune receptors or signalling pathways by a long shot.

The problem is we often sample our environments when we're experiencing unrelated inflammation. Inflammation is a signal to our immune system that something's up. Unfortunately, a match during this time can and often does teach the body the wrong thing. If they find signal, they'll self-amplify against it, and you could be stuck with a new allergy for life.

[crazygringo]

Huh, thanks.

So now I'm incredibly curious -- the sore throat I get from memory foam. Is there any way to know whether that's simply a result of the VOC's damaging the cells in my throat directly? Or if it's an allergic reaction happening in that spot?

I have definitely been curious why memory foam would give me a sore throat specifically, when the offgassing is making equal contact with my skin, sinuses, etc.