 |
|
Softening agent from PVC cause of asthma and allergic symptoms among children
August 16, 2004There is a clear co-variation between allergic symptoms in children and the concentration of softening agents in their homes. This is a finding made by a Swedish-Danish research team in a recently published study financed by Formas, the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences, and Spatial Planning.
"A great number of consumer products and surface materials like PVC mats contain softening agents, such as phthalate esters," says Professor Carl-Gustaf Bornehag at Karlstad University and the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute, SP. World production of such softening agents has increased dramatically since the 1950s. At the same time, asthma and allergies have proliferated over the last 3-4 decades.
The study was carried out within the framework of the Dampness in Buildings and Health Study, DBH. In 2000 a questionnaire was sent out to cover all children in the province of V'�rmland (14,077 individuals). Answers were received from 79 percent regarding background factors, health, and housing factors. From these, 198 children with allergies and 202 healthy children were selected for in-depth study. Building inspectors checked the children's homes, and dust and air samples were taken to determine their chemical and microbiological content. Dust from surfaces above the floor level in the child's bedroom was gathered to determine the presence of softening agents. At the same time, the children underwent medical examinations and clinical samples were taken, including sensitivization (IgE antibodies in the blood).
"We found higher concentrations of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) in the affected children compared with the healthy ones. Further it was shown that the concentration of BBzP co-varied with rhinitis (runny nose and eyes) and eczema, whereas di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) co-varied with respiratory complaints such as asthma. Moreover, a dose-response association was found, that is, the higher the concentration of softening agent, the greater the reaction in the children," says Jan Sundell, Professor at the Technical University of Denmark.
Four other phthalates were investigated but were not found to be associated with asthma and allergic reaction: diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isobytyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP).
"The study thus shows that normal concentrations of phthalate esters in indoor dust co-vary with allergies in children. We believe that the different associations for the three most prevalent phthalates, BBzP, DEHP, and DnBP can be explained by differences in chemical and toxicological properties."
Vetenskapsr�det (The Swedish Research Council)
Asthma Current Events and Asthma News RSSNO help: Nitric oxide monitoring does not help most children with asthma
The level of nitric oxide (NO) in an asthmatic's exhaled breath can portend worsening asthma symptoms, and may even signify an imminent attack linked to underlying airway inflammation.
Substance abuse adds millions to Medicaid's total health care costs
People with substance abuse disorders cost Medicaid hundreds of millions of dollars annually in medical care, suggesting that early interventions for substance abuse could not only improve outcomes but also save substantial amounts of money, according to a comprehensive study that examined records of nearly 150,000 people in six states.
Anti-fungal drug offers great benefits to some with severe asthma
Some patients with severe asthma who also have allergic sensitivity to certain fungi enjoy great improvements in their quality of life and on other measures after taking an antifungal drug, according to new research from The University of Manchester in England.
Fungal pill could provide asthma relief for 150,000 UK sufferers
Up to 150,000 people suffering from severe asthma in the UK could benefit from taking antifungal medication already available from pharmacists, new research has found.
Mayo Clinic study finds increased risk of pneumococcal disease in asthma patients
Mayo Clinic research shows adults with asthma are at increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacteria causing middle ear infections and community acquired pneumonia.
Pitt Researchers Create Nontoxic Clean-up Method for Common, Potentially Toxic Nano Materials
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed the first natural, nontoxic method for biodegrading carbon nanotubes, a finding that could help diminish the environmental and health concerns that mar the otherwise bright prospects of the super-strong materials commonly used in products, from electronics to plastics.
Study strengthens link between tobacco smoke and behavioral problems in boys with asthma
Boys with asthma who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke have higher degrees of hyperactivity, aggression, depression and other behavioral problems, according to researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Pregnant women with asthma can be more confident about some medicines
Women can usually keep using the same asthma drugs they were using before they got pregnant. Budesonide sprays are the best studied and can be regarded as safe.
Study shows school-based program enables children and adolescents to better manage chronic disease
A new study has found that a school-based asthma education program conducted in the Oakland, California school district was shown to reduce symptoms and increase the number of days that children who suffered from asthma were able to go to school.
Pregnant women with asthma can be more confident about some medicines
Women can usually keep using the same asthma drugs they were using before they got pregnant. Budesonide sprays are the best studied and can be regarded as safe.
More Asthma Current Events and Asthma News Articles
 | Asthma-Free Naturally: Everything You Need to Know to Take Control of Your Asthma by Patrick McKeown This revolutionary book teaches readers how to take control of their asthma safely and effectively without any side effects. The approach encompasses the Buteyko Breathing Method as well as guidance on diet, sleep, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that can provide a natural alternative to Asthma medications. The author was a chronic asthmatic who applied the Buteyko Breathing Method... |
 | The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program by Fred, M.D. Pescatore Free yourself of allergies and asthma once and for all with Dr. Pescatore's breakthrough program " Dr. Fred Pescatore's The Allergy and Asthma Cure reveals a unique and revolutionary understanding of the underlying conditions of allergy and asthma-from food triggers to the environment to nutritional deficiencies. His integrative program of both alternative and traditional treatments can... |
 | Reversing Asthma: Breathe Easier with This Revolutionary New Program by Richard N. Firshein D.O. Asthma is traditionally treated with medication. yet these drugs can cause debilitating side-effects, weaken the immune system, and in extreme cases, even cause death. Dr. Richard N. Firshein has developed an alternative therapy, drawing on a wealth of information on: -- nutrition and vitamin therapy -- food allergies and environmental analysis -- alternative methods (such as acupuncture,... |
 | Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders by Kenneth Bock, Cameron Stauth Autism is an epidemic: It has spiked 1,500 percent in the last twenty years. ADHD, asthma and allergies have also skyrocketed over the same time period. One of these conditions now strikes one in every three children in America. But there is hope. Leading medical innovator Kenneth Bock, M.D., has helped change the lives of more than a thousand children, and in this important book, with a... |
 | The ABCs of Asthma: An Asthma Alphabet Book for Kids of All Ages by Kim Gosselin The perfect way to teach children about asthma, this entertaining and educational book emphasizes that by learning what asthma is, kids with asthma can live active and normal lives. The ABCs of Asthma matches each letter of the alphabet with corresponding words associated with asthma. It explains what asthma is, things that trigger asthma episodes and items used in... |
 | Natural Relief for Your Child's Asthma: A Guide to Controlling Symptoms & Reducing Your Child's Dependence on Drugs by M.D., Steven J. Bock, M.D., Kenneth Bock A groundbreaking, practical, and holistic approach to treating children with chronic asthma From two physicians with fifteen years of experience in treating asthma comes the only book for children with asthma that supplements conventional approaches with effective and proven natural remedies. Parenting a child with asthma is often scary, unpredictable, frustrating, and expensive. Through... |
 | The Harvard Medical School Guide To Taking Control Of Asthma by Christopher H. Fanta, Lynda M. Cristiano, Kenan Haver Take control of your asthma now wih this easy-to-follow personalized approach Shortness of breath. Tightness in the chest. Wheezing and coughing. These distressing symptoms are a daily fact of life for many of the fifteen million Americans who suffer from asthma, including nearly six million children -- and asthma is on the rise. But even those with severe asthma can lead full, active lives... |
 | The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Guide to Asthma: How to Help Your Child Live a Healthier Life by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia While asthma can’t be cured, it can be treated and controlled so that your child can enjoy a healthier, more active life. In this important guide, the experts at the top-ranked children’s hospital in the United States clearly explain what asthma is and how parents, caregivers, and young patients can manage it successfully. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Guide to Asthma features the... |
 | The Lion Who Had Asthma (Albert Whitman Concept Paperbacks) by Jonathan London Sean's nebulizer mask and his imagination aid in his recovery following an asthma attack. Includes information on childhood asthma and how to control its... |
 | ABC of Asthma, Allergies and Lupus: Eradicate Asthma - Now! by F. Batmanghelidj This book introduces a new discovery that unintentional dehydration causes many painful, degenerative diseases. It explains the direct relationship between water deficiency in the body and allergies, asthma and lupus. You will learn: -How to prevent and cure childhood asthma without medication -How to recognize the signs of an imminent asthma attack -How to identify chronic dehydration... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |