英语听力文摘 English Digest 43、家中植物可能引起过敏反应

（单词翻译）

　　When people come down with a runny nose and itchy eyes in their homes, they often think the cause is an allergy¹. The usual suspects are dust mites² and pets. They should, however, also consider their houseplants.
"Basically, any houseplant can set off an allergy," said Stefan Gentzen, director of the German garden retailers³' association in Berlin. "At the time of the sale customers generally don't know that they will have an allergic⁴ reaction to the plant."
There are, however, plants that are known to cause allergic reactions. The best-known example is the ficus, (Ficus benjamina), also known as the weeping fig⁵ or Benjamin's fig.
"The ficus is found in almost every office building and in many private homes. That's why it is known for touching⁶ off allergies," Gentzen said.
The plant's allergens come from the milky⁷ sap on the surface of the leaves.
"The types of immediate⁸ reactions are running nose, itchy eyes and respiratory problems similar to asthma⁹. Hours later eczema could develop," Anja Schwalfenberg, patient adviser¹⁰ at the German allergy and asthma association in Moenchengladbach said.
Less well known is the allergic potential of plants in the Asteraceae family such as chrysanthemums¹¹ and daisies.
"Their allergens are dispersed¹² in an area through pollen¹³ and can cause sniffles or asthmas," said Thomas Fuchs, president of the professional association for Germany allergists.
People who know that they are allergic to a specific plant should keep away from that plant, Fuchs advised.
allergic  (adj.)   过敏的；引起过敏反应的
to come down with   病倒；染上
dust mite   尘蹒
to set off   引起；引发
best-known   最着名的；最（为人熟知的）
to touch off   促成；引发
milky  (adj.)   乳状的；乳白色的
asthma  (n.)   气喘；哮喘
to disperse  (v.)   散开；分散
pollen  (n.)   花粉