in celebrating World Allergy Awareness Day, a campaign aimed at raising awareness of more than 66 million people worldwide who live with allergies on a daily basis.

The World Allergy Organisation -- International Associate of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (WAO-IAACI) -- in conjunction with the World Health Organisation has declared today as World Allergy Awareness Day. The goals of the day are to increase awareness of allergies, educate physicians, patients and the public and bring attention to the fact that millions around the world suffer from allergies and how this can greatly impact on their quality of life.

In its inaugural year in Bermuda, World Allergy Awareness Day will extend through the week, culminating with an Open House on Saturday at the Allergy Clinic of Bermuda, at `Cornerwalls', 31 Point Finger Road from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Exhibitors will demonstrate to Bermudians the impact of allergies and the services that are available locally to identify and control their allergies.

"What's particularly impressive about World Allergy Awareness Day is that it is truly a worldwide event; we've gathered support from every corner of the globe,'' said Dr. S.G.O. Johansson, MD, PhD and president of the WAO-IAACI.

"Across the planet, the sheer number of people who are affected by allergies on a daily basis is staggering. World Allergy Awareness Day is intended to bring recognition to them and to increase the public's awareness of the prevalence of allergies.'' These facts demonstrate the economic impact of allergies. The worldwide annual cost of allergic rhinitis, including drugs, consultations and time off work is in excess of $20 billion. The cost of allergy drugs alone, worldwide, is estimated to be $8 billion.

The WAO-IAACI is a global alliance of professional allergy societies, which aims to advance excellence in clinical care, research, education and training.

The organisation is composed of 49 national member societies with total membership of 38,000 and four affiliate organisations that serve the Asian-Pacific region, the European community and the Latin American area. All member societies and affiliate organisations are participating in World Allergy Awareness Day.

There are various types of allergies, from occupational, latex, food and animals, amongst whom cats are the biggest culprits. The most common allergic symptoms are hay fever, asthma and eczema.

Any number of things in a home can trigger an allergy, from the most common allergen, dust mites, which are found in bedding, carpets and stuffed animals, to cats, plants and perfume. Even various foods like peanuts, shell food and chocolate are known to trigger allergic reactions.

"The tendency for an allergy is passed on, but not a specific allergy,'' said Mrs. Jutta Harvey, nurse manager at the Allergy Clinic.

"Let's say a mother is allergic to cats, she would pass on the tendency to become allergic but what you become allergic to depends more on the environment.'' Mrs. Harvey says once it has been determined what a person is allergic to, the best treatment is avoidance of it.

The Royal Gazette will take a look at the various allergies during a month-long series which begins in the Lifestyle section on Friday.

For further information on allergies, including Saturday's Open House, call 236-7401.