Allergy-Proof Your Child's Bedroom
(Page 3 of 4)
January/February 2002
By Lori Tobias
Avoid all possible sources of toxins. Toxin sources include traditional paint, permanent press fabrics, mothballs, plywood and pressboard, sealers, and glues. In their stead, use low- and no-VOC paints, nontoxic sealers and glues, and formaldehyde-free particleboard. If chemically treated fabrics are unavoidable, first put them through the washing machine several times with a cup of baking soda. Generally, anything that outgasses can be made somewhat safer by airing it outside or away from the child’s room.
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Go for the old. “We’ve done a series of tests on carpet and paint, crib mattresses, waterproof mattresses, and disposable diapers. In many cases, all those things give off enough toxic chemicals to cause immediate onset of toxic effect,” says Anderson. “They will trigger asthma. Some are neurotoxic and will damage the nervous system. Then we have pulmonary irritation—problems in the lungs—and sensory irritation, problems in the head and neck. They cause skin rashes and often ear and sinus infections.” Buying used goods is an excellent alternative. “There’s some merit to reusing older pieces,” says designer Nadell, “particularly furniture and toys [with the exception of vinyl] because they will have already outgassed.” However, Nadell cautions that old items may bear mold or mildew.
Avoid plastics. Plastics are not only bad for humans, but for the planet in general, says interior designer Deborah Coburn, owner of Healthy Housing in San Rafael, California. “I think plastic is probably the worst thing you can use. It’s toxic in the outgassing; it’s toxic when it’s torn up and put in the landfill. It’s bad for everyone,” she says. Even the atoms in the air are affected by the synthetic material. “Anything made of plastic is killing the negative ions [electrically charged particles that researchers say may improve our moods, energy, and overall health] in the room,” says Helmut Ziehe, a baubiologist with the Institute for Baubiologie. “And if you are losing negative ions . . . that basically means dust particles and bacteria are suspended in the air over these negative ions and they are creating an unhealthy indoor climate.” Plastic also contributes to static electricity, which Ziehe says can influence the body’s electromagnetic field and ultimately harm a child’s immune system.
Keep electronics to a minimum. Ziehe says electronic gadgets such as baby monitors, lamps, and alarm clocks can distort the body’s natural magnetic field. “There are examples where the baby’s cried and tried to get away” from a baby monitor, he says. “They change their position in their crib or bed and cry all the time. As soon as you take the thing away, they stop.” Ziehe suggests unplugging electric appliances when they aren’t in use. “Even if you have a lamp, you want to unplug it at night,” he says. “If you don’t, you still have an electromagnetic field there. The position of the bed should be checked to see if there’s an electric gadget in the vicinity. Magnetic fields cannot be shielded, so they will go right through a concrete wall. If you have a refrigerator on the other side of the wall, whenever the motor kicks in, a magnetic field is created, and that field reaches through the wall into the sleeping area.”