Since 1960, the incidence of food allergies in children has grown fivefold, from 1 in 100 children to 1 in 20 children, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. For example, the number of children with allergies to peanuts doubled from 1997 to 2002. An October 2004 article in the Journal of School Nursing revealed that 79 percent of all reactions at school occurred in classrooms.

Food allergies cause anaphylactic shock, the most severe type of allergic reaction, which can lead to death within minutes if left untreated. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this affects 30,000 people and causes 150 deaths annually. It's unknown why severe food allergies are on the rise, says Steven Taylor, professor of science and technology at the University of Nebraska.

Source: District Administration; The magazine of School District Management

www.districtadministration.com