You might find it interesting to know that:

• 26 seconds after you smell a chemical it is in every major organ of your body.
• Chemicals affect children’s brain function and performance.
• The average desk harbors 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. That goes for the phone and computer too!
• E. coli, salmonella and other bacteria can live up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like tables, doorknobs and desks.
• 1,000 bacteria can become 8,000 in an hour…bacteria doubles every 20 minutes.
• Shopping carts are one of the most contaminated surfaces in the world. From saliva to urine, it’s on the surface of your cart.

Chemicals and Children

Children’s bodies and body systems are developing, and are less able to process toxic substances. During early stages of development, especially in the womb, exposure to certain environmental contaminants can result in irreversible damage to child health. 

Children will often put things in their mouths and spend more time in direct contact with surfaces and can accidentally ingest harmful substances. As well, children are closer to carpets and floors which may be cleaned with chemicals.

Chemicals and Asthma

In a young child, the development of asthma can result from a combination of genetics and environmental exposures.

Asthma attacks are frequently triggered by exposure to chemical fumes. These could range from petrol, cleaning agents, carpet cleaning solvents and other household chemicals.

A study of more than 7,000 children shows that children born into households which use chemicals such as bleach and cleaning solvents are twice as likely to suffer persistent wheezing, often a precursor to asthma.

When you have asthma, your airways already tend to be inflamed and irritated. This makes them extra sensitive to anything you inhale.