Harmful chemicals found in day care centers

Updated:

HealthMore>>
Facebook users really 'liked' organ donor option
Facebook users really 'liked' organ donor option
Adding an organ donation option to the average Facebook user's profile prompted a dramatic rise in potential donors, researchers report.More >>
Adding an organ donation option to the average Facebook user's profile prompted a dramatic rise in potential donors, researchers report.More >>
Could 'moderate' drinking be safe during pregnancy?
Could 'moderate' drinking be safe during pregnancy?
Children of women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol while pregnant don't appear to have any neurodevelopmental problems when it comes to balance, a new British study suggests.More >>
Children of women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol while pregnant don't appear to have any neurodevelopmental problems when it comes to balance, a new British study suggests.More >>
Concussion damage looks much like early Alzheimer's
Concussion damage looks much like early Alzheimer's
Concussion can lead to damage in the white matter of the brain that resembles abnormalities found in people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.More >>
Concussion can lead to damage in the white matter of the brain that resembles abnormalities found in people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.More >>
Many Americans want health care via smartphone
Many Americans want health care via smartphone
Plenty of Americans are eager to use their mobile phones and tablet computers to better manage their health care, a new poll finds -- though the nation has a way to go before we're all consulting Dr. Smartphone.More >>
Plenty of Americans are eager to use their mobile phones and tablet computers to better manage their health care, a new poll finds -- though the nation has a way to go before we're all consulting Dr. Smartphone.More >>
Scans uncover dangerous hardening of abdominal aorta
Scans uncover dangerous hardening of abdominal aorta
People with a "hardening" of the abdominal aorta are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, according to a new study.More >>
People with a "hardening" of the abdominal aorta are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, according to a new study.More >>
Minority kids with autism less likely to use specialty services
Minority kids with autism less likely to use specialty services
Black and Hispanic children with autism are markedly less likely than children from white families to receive specialty care for complications tied to the disorder, a new study finds.More >>
Black and Hispanic children with autism are markedly less likely than children from white families to receive specialty care for complications tied to the disorder, a new study finds.More >>
Skipping breakfast may raise diabetes risk
Skipping breakfast may raise diabetes risk
Eating breakfast every day may help overweight women reduce their risk of diabetes, a small new study suggests.More >>
Eating breakfast every day may help overweight women reduce their risk of diabetes, a small new study suggests.More >>
Tobacco laws for minors may cut adult smoking as well
Tobacco laws for minors may cut adult smoking as well
Strict controls on the sale of cigarettes to youth may also reduce adult smoking, a new study suggests.More >>
Strict controls on the sale of cigarettes to youth may also reduce adult smoking, a new study suggests.More >>
Sibling bullying can lead to depression, anxiety in victims
Sibling bullying can lead to depression, anxiety in victims
Being picked on by your brother or sister may seem like a normal part of growing up, but for some kids the bullying may be a source of depression and anxiety, a new study suggests.More >>
Being picked on by your brother or sister may seem like a normal part of growing up, but for some kids the bullying may be a source of depression and anxiety, a new study suggests.More >>
Video gamers may have better visual recall
Video gamers may have better visual recall
In a new finding sure to be shared with some skeptical parents, it seems that the brains of video game enthusiasts make better and faster use of visual input.More >>
In a new finding sure to be shared with some skeptical parents, it seems that the brains of video game enthusiasts make better and faster use of visual input.More >>

THURSDAY, Oct. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants in some California day care centers exceed state health guidelines, according to a new study.

Formaldehyde, a known respiratory irritant and a listed cancer-causing agent in California, is commonly found in the glues used in pressboard furniture and laminated wood. It is also found in paint products, clothing, cosmetics and combustion sources such as gas and wood-burning stoves.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, collected air and floor dust samples to assess levels of environmental contaminants and exposures at 40 day care centers in Alameda and Monterey counties.

"Children are more vulnerable to the health effects of environmental contaminants, and many small children spend as much as 10 hours a day, five days a week, in child care centers," study lead author Asa Bradman, associate director of the UC Berkeley Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, said in a university news release.

"We wanted to establish the baseline levels of environmental exposures in these early child care settings, and to provide information that could be used for any necessary policy changes," she explained.

They found that almost 88 percent of facilities had formaldehyde levels higher than 9 micrograms per cubic meter over eight hours, which is above the state's guideline for safe exposure.

The researchers also found that cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were present in the air at the day care centers, sometimes at higher levels than those found in homes. Formaldehyde can form when these chemicals react with ozone and other compounds in the air.

Other chemicals of concern detected by the researchers included phthalates (found in plastics), flame retardants, pesticides and perfluorinated compounds (found in Teflon and stain-resistant carpets).

The study was funded by the California Air Resources Board, and released Oct. 25.

Considering many children have asthma, it would make sense to choose safer cleaning products with less volatile chemicals, according to the news release. Ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce levels of formaldehyde and other contaminants in day care centers, the researchers said.

More information

The American Lung Association has more about indoor air quality.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

Harmful chemicals found in day care centers - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Harmful chemicals found in day care centers

HealthMore>>