Breathing space how allergies shape our lives and landscapes / [electronic resource] :
Gregg Mitman.
- Yale University Press, c2007.
- 1 online resource (xv, 312 p.) : ill., maps.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [255]-295) and index.
Hay Fever Holiday -- When Pollen Became Poison -- The Last ResortsChoking Cities -- On the Home Front -- An Inhaler in Every Pocket.
Breathing Space offers an intimate portrait of how allergic disease has shaped American culture, landscape, and life. Drawing on environmental, medical, and cultural history and the life stories of people, plants, and insects, Mitman traces how America's changing environment from the late 1800s to the present day has led to the epidemic growth of allergic disease. We have seen a neverending stream of solutions to combat allergies, from hay fever resorts, herbicides, and airconditioned homes to numerous potions and pills. But, as Mitman shows, despite the quest for a magic bullet, none of the attempted solutions has succeeded. Until we address how our changing environment -- physical, biological, social, and economic -- has helped to create America's allergic landscape, that hoped for success will continue to elude us. From the dust jacket.
Respiratory allergy--Popular works. Respiratory allergy--Environmental aspects. Asthma--History.--United States Anti-Allergic Agents--History.--United States Anti-Asthmatic Agents--History.--United States History, 20th Century--United States. Inhalation Exposure--History.--United States Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal--History.--United States MEDICAL--Pulmonary & Thoracic Medicine. HEALTH & FITNESS--Diseases--Respiratory.