And the reply...
from a research type at the U of A hospital (letter to editor, today's edition of the Edmonton Journal)..
Re: "Boyfriend's kiss causes girl's death," The Journal, Nov. 26.
While a tragedy such as this highlights the serious nature of food allergies and reminds us of the burden faced by allergic patients, it is important not to add to this burden with misleading information.
"Peanut vapours" do not carry the requisite proteins to trigger an allergic reaction and, although the smell of peanut butter may understandably induce anxiety in an allergic patient, it is well-established that such "vapours" will not cause anaphylaxis.
In rare situations, fine peanut dust may become airborne and induce respiratory reactions. This is most commonly reported in airplanes, with passengers opening peanut packets in an enclosed space with re-circulated air.
In general, an allergic person must ingest or experience direct mucosal contact (e.g. lips, tongue, etc.) with the allergen to trigger a severe reaction. Peanut and other food allergies are serious, potentially life-threatening problems, but we must be careful not to perpetuate myths and misconceptions.
Stuart Carr, director, clinical immunology and allergy, department of pediatrics, University of Alberta
