Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to environmental pollutants in the air.  Studies show that diseases such as asthma are related to early exposure to poor indoor air quality.  The incidences of respiratory illness that can be ascribed to air pollution have increased in recent years.

What Are The Dangers?

Research has found that exposure of pregnant mothers, babies and young children to air pollution has resulted in alarming increases in health problems.  The types of diseases and disorders that can be attributed to poor air quality include:

• Asthma
• Headaches and fatigue
• Allergies
• Liver damage
• Respiratory problems
• Neurological problems
• Developmental delays
• Stunted fetal growth
• Immune system problems
• Reproductive disorders
• Nervous disorders
• Cardiovascular system problems, and
• Cancer

How Are Babies and Children Exposed?

Common pollutants include air pollution from fuel burning, secondhand smoke, pesticides, allergens, mold, lead and mercury.  A recent California Air Resources Board study found that common cleaning products and air fresheners can cause serious problems.  Baby nurseries are especially at risk after renovating (painting, adding carpeting, new furniture, humidifiers, etc.)

Setting Up A Nursery for Baby – A Perfect Time to Test Your Air Quality

Most of the time you can’t tell if the air in your home is polluted, so it’s imperative that you have your home checked out, especially before you bring your baby home.

What Air Quality Tests Are Needed?

The best place to start is to have a Healthy Home Assessment done by a qualified environmental consultant. The environmental consultant will start by assessing your specific concerns (i.e new baby, allergies or asthma) and will visually inspect your home.  Based on the information collected in the assessment, recommendations for sampling will be provided.  Recommendations may include testing for:

• Mold
• Allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander, etc.)
• Volatile Organic Contaminants
• Formaldehyde
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Particulates
• Radon
• Lead paint
• Asbestos

Samples should  be sent to an independent laboratory for analysis.

Plan for Eliminating Air Quality Dangers

Your environmental consultant will help you interpret the laboratory results and make a plan for addressing identified problems.

Envirosentials is Your Local Authority on Indoor Air Quality

Michelle McIntyre of Envirosentials is specifically trained and certified to help identify air quality hazards. Your family deserves to breathe clean air– their future health may depend on it.   Call Michelle at 800-604-3886 for your free ½ hour phone consultation today!  A FREE report on creating a healthy nursery is available on her website at www.envirosentials.com