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In order to protect children from toxic substances, researches urge parents to vacuum and mop regularly.
Topping the list of the most preventative means was the regular dusting of the home. Professor Bruce Lanphear of Canada’s Simon Fraser University commented: “House dust is a major source of children’s exposures to toxic substances including lead which, even at very low levels, is known to be harmful to the developing brain.”
A dust study, released by Health Canada, indicated that particles of lead that could potentially be absorbed by the body were found in all tested homes.
Professor Lanphear warned that “An infant will absorb about 50 per cent of ingested lead, whereas an adult absorbs about 10 per cent. This, combined with children’s frequent hand-to-mouth behavior, places children at much greater risk.”
Exposure to chemicals such as lead can lead to learning and behavioral issues and disorders, respiratory problems, cancer, and birth defects. For this reason the researchers suggested that pregnant women as well as children should stay away from rooms being renovated where dust and toxic fumes from products such as paint, are highly concentrated.
Other recommendations include using non-toxic cleaners and knowing what common household products and food items may contain toxins.
Erica Phipps of the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment said: ‘If parents take simple actions in these five areas, they can significantly reduce their children’s exposures to toxics – and even save money.’
John Wilkinson, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, added after approving the recommendations that “A clean environment is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children and our grandchildren. It ensures they have the greatest chance of success, both in their early developmental years and throughout their lives.”
Reference
Bates, Claire. (2011, June 16). Regular dusting ‘is best way to protect children from toxic chemicals’ . Mail online, Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/
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