New Delhi, Feb. 24 -- Every breath we take carries a mix of invisible particles and gases-many of which have shocking consequences for our health. A new study from Australia has uncovered an unexpected connection between air pollution and one of childhood's most feared health conditions: persistent peanut allergies. As food allergies become increasingly common worldwide, this research suggested that the air we breathe might be playing a bigger role than we ever imagined.

For parents, peanut allergies are a constant source of concern and the risk of a severe reaction from even minimal exposure has reshaped school policies, altered airline snack menus and heightened anxiety at birthday parties. While genetics have long been considered a pr...