Baking the Bugs Out.University of South Florida scientists sampled 19 store-purchased wheat flours, processed wheat mixes, and corn meals, and found that the cockroach cockroach or roach, name applied to approximately 3,500 species of flat-bodied, oval insects forming the order Blattodea. Cockroaches have long antennae, long legs adapted to running, and a flat extension of the upper body wall that conceals the head. They range from 1-4 in. to 3 in. (.6–7.6 cm) in length. allergen pollen allergen any protein antigen of weed, tree, or grass pollens capable of causing allergic asthma or rhinitis; pollen antigen extracts are used in skin testing for pollen sensitivity and in immunotherapy (desensitization) for pollen allergy. al·ler·gen ( Bla g2 is prevalent in these products and could cause episodes of baker's asthma. The scientists say exposure to the allergen could also possibly result in sensitization 1. administration of an antigen to induce a primary immune response. 2. exposure to allergen that results in the development of hypersensitivity. autoerythrocyte sensitization see painful bruising syndrome, under syndrome. to it. Baker's asthma, a common occupational disease occupational disease n. an illness resulting from long-term employment in a particular type of work, such as black lung disease among miners, or cancer among asbestos installers. If the chances of being afflicted by such an illness are significantly higher than the average in the population then a former employee may receive benefits from Social Security or workmen's compensation for a work-related disability. that is also one of the oldest, is also known to be brought on by exposure to flour beetle allergens. The study, presented last March at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, determined that heating the baking products for 30 minutes at 350 [degrees] F (standard baking temperature and time) greatly reduces the allergen levels. They also stated that the products are most likely not contaminated at the grocery store, as allergen levels in all of the samples, which were purchased from four different retailers, were comparable. |
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