Newspaper Allergies

Filed in archive Allergy Basics , Latex/Rubber Allergies , Other Allergies on May 13, 2010

© _M-j-H_

I'm not creating an alibi to purchase the new Apple iPad, but I'm this close to shifting my newspaper subscription to the online version. Somehow I've developed an allergy to newspaper, either something in the paper or in the ink.

Apparently, I am not alone, and there are actually many who report allergic reactions to newspaper. For me, I just experience itching of the eyes and nose, and a mild dryness of the throat, but some others report coughing and sneezing fits and skin rashes, too.

I did a bit of digging and found out that allergies to newspaper ink indeed exists, and is most likely due to a substance called rosin, also known as colophony, is the sap or sticky substance that comes from pine and spruce trees, and is commonly used in the production of printing ink. So there's your allergen!

No wonder there are anecdotal links between newspaper allergies and rubber/latex allergies!