Question: Could I Be Allergic to Barbeque Smoke?
Answer: Yes. Mesquite, oak, cedar and hickory are types of wood used for this barbecuing -- they are also trees that produce pollen that many people with seasonal allergies are allergic to. It appears that the allergen in this type of pollen is also contained within the wood of the tree; these allergens survive combustion and remain in smoke once the wood is burned.
While smoke from burning wood and other sources typically causes a form of , it is possible to be allergic to the smoke as well. It is therefore possible that a person with mesquite pollen allergy could have an allergy and asthma attack if exposed to mesquite wood smoke at a summertime barbeque. And, there have been reports of oral allergy symptoms after eating foods barbequed over these types of wood.
Learn more about mesquite smoke allergy.
Source:
More DR, Hagan LL, Whisman BA, Jordan-Wagner D. Identification of Specific IgE to Mesquite Wood Smoke in Individuals with Mesquite Pollen Allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002;110(5):814-6.
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