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Published on: August 7, 2017
The potential hidden dangers in household products for infant's immune system: Consequences for childcare
Christophe Dupont1, Sandra Brancato2, Rosan Meyer3
1Pediatric Gastroenterology, Clinique Marcel Sembat, Ramsay Group, Boulogne-Billancourt, 92100 Boulogne, France.
Insights
Exposure to household chemicals like detergents and disinfectants may harm the epithelial barrier and promote allergies in infants. Reducing contact with these products can help prevent childhood allergies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
- Toxicology
Background:
- Rising incidence of allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases correlates with increased exposure to novel chemicals.
- These chemicals can compromise the epithelial barrier in the skin, respiratory, and digestive tracts.
- Infants face early-life exposure to detergents and disinfectants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on the impact of household chemicals on the epithelial barrier.
- To explore the link between chemical exposure and allergy development in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published data on chemical exposure and epithelial barrier function.
- Analysis of the role of common household products in pediatric allergy.
Main Results:
- Household products may play a harmful role in the development of allergies in children.
- Chemicals can negatively affect the epithelial barrier, potentially promoting allergic responses.
Conclusions:
- Simple lifestyle modifications can reduce infant and young child exposure to potentially harmful household products.
- Minimizing contact with common chemicals is recommended for preventing allergies in early childhood.
Background:
The increase in allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases observed in recent decades correlates with increased exposure to new chemicals that can damage the epithelial barrier, regardless of its location, the skin, respiratory, and digestive tract. Infants are often exposed to detergents and disinfectants from birth.
Objectives, Methods, And Setting:
Published data indicate a potentially harmful impact of these chemicals on the epithelial barrier, which could promote allergies. The aim of this article is to review the available data on how these chemicals affect the epithelial barrier.
Results:
We depict the likely harmful role of common household products in the development of allergies in children.
Conclusion:
We suggest simple changes in everyday life aimed at reducing contact with these products in infants and young children.
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