Do Young Children Live Dangerously?
No one would ever consider giving an infant a known poison but many parent inadvertently poison their child by exposing them to toxic chemicals in the indoor air that they live in. As an environmental inspector one of the most scary and common conditions I run into is the new nursery. A baby or infant is the most vulnerable individual to environmental hazards. Their immune system is most likely not developed enough to handle excessive chemical contamination and their low body weight makes them more susceptible to lower chemicals concentrations. New building materials such as wall paper, paint, carpet, new furnishings, and synthetic and fire resistant clothing can have hundreds of outgassing chemicals in them. They can outgas significant levels of volatile organic compounds into the environment for 6 months to a year. Day in and day out our children are being exposed to these chemicals in the air that they breath. Some of these substances are carcinogenic and the acceptable levels are being lowered all the time. It is unknown how these chemicals are effecting the development and health of children.
Along with this type of exposure is the potential for exposure in older home to lead dust from remodels of rooms which contained lead paint or homes with lead pipes. Lead is the number one environmental hazard for children. In high enough concentrations it can cause irreparable brain damage and lowered IQ. Other environmental factors that effect children are pesticides at school and exposure to dust mites and molds. Researchers are starting to theorize that excessive exposure to dust mites in infancy may be the trigger for a host of environmental allergies in the individuals later on. Mold exposure can cause a host of physical symptoms from excessive colds and flu to serious lung disorders including asthma.
In order to lower this risk I recommend that if you plan to remodel for the arrival of a newborn do it at least 6 months in advance, to enable materials to outgas. Make sure their is no lead dust in the environment or lead in the water. Buy a water filter to lower lead in water. Test the dust for the presence of lead. Vacuum the child's room with a HEPA high efficiency particulate filter vacuum cleaner to capture small particles that normally escape from a vacuum cleaner's exhaust. Eliminate all mold from a child's room. If you smell mold or a musty odor in your house you have a mold problem that needs to be addressed. Avoid polyester and synthetic clothing. Dress your child in cotton. Avoid paper diapers they contain polyethylene, dyes and fragrances. By doing the above you will help to insure your child's health and well being.