Brothers have their uses

BRISTOL - Women who have brothers stand less chance of developing allergies to cats, dust or grass, and the more brothers they…

BRISTOL - Women who have brothers stand less chance of developing allergies to cats, dust or grass, and the more brothers they have the smaller their chances of being allergic, according to a new report.

The findings are the result of a survey of more than 11,000 pregnant women as part of the Bristol University Children of the 90s project. A spokewoman said. "We believe that boys may bring more infection into the home than girls and that early infection may protect against allergen sensitivity."