Search Results for: blog cleaning products and asthma

Air Fresheners, Allergies, and ADHD

Air fresheners are used in many schools as a means of improving the smell that tends to appear in classrooms that are overcrowded. However, many air fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate the sinuses of children and adults. Could it be possible that an allergic reaction is being misread as ADHD? A study that was presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) this year noted that scented candles and air fresheners can trigger allergy symptoms, can aggravate existing allergies, and can worsen asthma attacks. These same air fresheners are frequently used … Continue reading →

Cleaning Carpets Minus the Chemicals

In a previous blog I shared my experience dealing with the aftermath of vacuuming foam carpet cleaner before it had a chance to dry thoroughly. According to one reader, scrapping wadded up lint and gunk from the underbelly of my vacuum with a wooden chopstick is nothing compared to the negative impact foam carpet cleaner has on the human body. Do tell… The crux of the reader’s email was to inform me that chemical carpet cleaners are toxic and can cause a variety of health problems, plus they pollute the environment. Apparently, most foam carpet cleaners contain perchloroethylene, sodium hydroxide, … Continue reading →

Can Cleaning Cause Chronic Conditions and Autism?

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I have always felt like most cleaning products are harsh. My mother would always open windows when cleaning to make sure not to breathe in so many chemicals. When I was pregnant with my daughter, Maggie, I worried about items in her nursery off gassing and was careful to use products such as no-VOC paint. However, after she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, I became even more careful of what products I bring into our home. There are so many cleaners out there promising to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria. This is great, but what if the ingredients in … Continue reading →

Untreated Asthma During Pregnancy May Put Infant at Risk for Future Asthma

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Once again, research indicates that treating health issues during pregnancy, such as diabetes, for example, decreases the health risks for the child. This time the topic is asthma, and it has been found that women who don’t properly treat their asthma during pregnancy raise the risk that their child will suffer from the same disease. Over 32 percent of children born to mothers who neglect to treat their asthma during pregnancy develop the respiratory illness themselves. This new evidence comes from a study conducted at the Université de Montréal, the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research … Continue reading →

Minimizing Allergies from Cleaners and Detergents

If there is any asthma or allergies in your family, then you might want to take a good look at the cleaners and the detergents that you use in and around your home. The same goes for personal care products. Many of these products contain chemicals, perfumes and dyes that can bring on indoor allergies and dangerous asthma symptoms. While you can focus on buying natural products, these can be expensive and some may still cause allergy irritation. Here are some general guidelines about reducing the allergens in your home from cleaners and detergents. Avoid dryer fabric softener sheets. These … Continue reading →

Pregnancy Blog Review August 8 – August 21

The summer is quickly drawing to a close and if you are pregnant, it is probably going as fast as yoru pregnancy. In the pregnancy blog, I attempt to cover a range of topics related to conception, pregnancy, birth and the postpartum time with your new baby. The review is a great way to get caught up on past blogs. Follicular ultrasound is used in combination with many infertility medications and treatments. This form of vaginal ultrasound is used to allow your doctor to check the progress of developing follicles in the ovaries. The information is used to adjust medications … Continue reading →

Cleaning Products and Asthma

When we learn we are pregnant, suddenly our attention is focused on many aspects of our lives and possible effects on the baby. One common concern is the use of cleaning products. Even common household cleaners contain potentially toxic chemicals. A new study suggests this may be a valid concern. The study conducted at Brunel University suggests a link between the use of cleaning products during pregnancy and asthma in children. This study expanded on a previous study, which suggested that women who use a lot of cleaning products frequently have a higher risk of their child developing asthma. That … Continue reading →

The Pregnancy Blog Review March 18-23

A variety of topics related to pregnancy and having a healthy baby have been covered in the pregnancy blog this week. If you haven’t been able to read, the review is the best way to see the week’s articles all in one place. Click the links to read the blogs that interest you. Concern about cleaning products is common among pregnant women. The products used for cleaning in the average home contain many chemicals, some known to be toxic. Research suggests there may be a link to certain cleaning products and asthma in children. Read more in Cleaning Precautions During … Continue reading →

Cleaning Precautions During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you may be concerned about cleaning products. There is good reason for worry since cleaning products we use every day contain a wide variety of chemicals with unknown side effects. A recent study in the UK suggests heavy use of cleaning products during pregnancy can increase the unborn baby’s risk of developing asthma. The study looked at the link between childhood asthma and cleaning product use in pregnancy, particularly bleach and spray air fresheners. The study found that babies of mothers who frequently used bleach and air fresheners during pregnancy had a 41 percent higher risk … Continue reading →

Asthma, Allergies and a Few Frugal Cleaning Solutions

My two year old son recently spent a week in the hospital after suffering a severe respiratory infection. While he had been a healthy baby, now we suspect that he may be suffering from both asthma and seasonal allergies too. During the week of his hospitalization, I had a meltdown. I sent my husband to stay with him at the hospital while I frantically cleaned our home. I hadn’t slept for days and I was determined to kill whatever virus landed him in there in the first place. With my bottle of three-in-one cleaner in hand, I sprayed everything from … Continue reading →