Hazards in the home

MOST parents do their very best to ensure the safety of their children. However, according to Environmental Chemist Rashida Khan-Haqq, many times parents will unintentionally expose their children to hazards in their homes without even realising.

“Generally, children between the ages of zero and five spend most of their time at home. This means that children will have more of a likelihood of exposure to hazards, and greater [consequences] due to their smaller body weight,” Khan-Haqq explained.

She pointed out that there are a number of common practices in the home which may be potentially harmful to family members, especially children.

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

“VOCs are hydrocarbons which are emitted into the atmosphere by a variety of sources which include vehicular emissions, paints, perfumes, cleaning chemicals, organic solvents used in industrial and commercial applications such as the manufacturing of inks and paints, and naturally from plants and trees. These can release chemicals indoors,” Khan-Haqq said. She explained that their concentrations indoors may significantly exceed their concentrations outdoors.

Exposure to VOCs may produce symptoms which may include nose and throat irritation, headaches, allergic skin reactions, nausea, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment.

“The effects of the exposure to VOCs will depend on factors such as the gender, health and age of the individual, the concentration of VOC, and the exposure time,” Khan-Haqq outlined.

To minimise the levels of VOCs within the home, Khan-Haqq said that the following should be considered:

•Use low VOC emitting paints. After the area is painted, ventilate it by allowing good quality, fresh air to replace the stale air. Ensure paint odour is completely gone prior to children’s occupancy

•Ensure kitchens are well ventilated or have working hoods to effectively remove VOCs

•Store all organic solvents in secured, well-ventilated areas

• Do not spray deodorisers and perfumes in confined spaces with children.

• Use cleaning chemicals with natural ingredients and ensure space is well ventilated before allowing children to enter.

Respirable particulate matter

“Particulates are solid or liquid matters with aerodynamic diameters ranging from 0.005 to 100 micrometres (µm). The size range of concern to human health is 0.1-10 µm and is referred to as respirable particulates. Particles smaller than 0.1 µm are generally exhaled, while most particles above 10 µm will be filtered by the nose,” Khan-Haqq said.

She explained that small particles that reach the thoracic or lower regions of the respiratory tract are responsible for most air quality related adverse health effects, and exposure to particulate matter may result in premature death in people with heart and lung disease, aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeat, and decreased lung function.

She said that the sources of particulates indoors include printing, paper handling, smoking, sweeping, construction/renovation, vacuuming, etc. The use of baby powder on children is also a source of particulate matter. Khan-Haqq also notes that The American Academy of Pediatrics has advised that the use of baby powder can cause breathing problems and even lung damage in children, especially those with certain pre-existing conditions.

Khan-Haqq noted that the following practices should reduce and/or eliminate the production of particulate matter indoors:

•Wet wiping or vacuuming the house with a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency filter should be considered instead of sweeping with a dry mop or broom.

•Dust furniture and appliances with a damp cloth or dusters which allows dust to adhere to their surfaces, eg, microfibre dusters.

•Printers and shredders should be operated in well-ventilated areas.

•Do not smoke indoors. Change clothes after smoking or before handling children.

• Reduce dust during renovations by using screens to trap dust and where possible, wet dusty surfaces.

•Dress babies and children in clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton.

•Store folders and other loose papers inside filing cabinets, cupboards, or any other appropriate container which can be properly closed.

Household chemicals

Household chemicals can contain hazardous materials such as ammonia, surfactant and hypochlorous acid. Parents and caregivers should:

•Store all chemicals in their original containers in cabinets which can be properly closed and are not easily accessible to children.

• If chemicals cannot be stored in their original containers, avoid using food containers for storage. Ensure secondary containers are probably labelled.

• Read the information on the labels of all chemicals carefully and follow the instructions regarding handling, storage and disposal.

• Do not mix chemicals containing bleach with other chemicals. This may release chlorine gas which is toxic to humans and animals.

Burning garbage

“Garbage should not be burned due to the many negative impacts such as VOCs and particulate matter generation, nor should it be discarded in gullies, rivers or any other waterways. It should be stored in proper receptacles for collection by a municipal collector,” Khan-Haqq advised.

She said that in areas where this is not possible, a suitable alternative is to reduce generated garbage by composting, recycling and/or reusing. Material which cannot be composted, recycled or reused should be stored in an appropriate container and buried in a place designated for such purposes.

Medication

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs should be stored in a safe, secure area, out of the reach of children. Expired and unused medication should not be left in places like on countertops.

Khan-Haqq said that many parents employ one or a combination of risk management strategies to reduce their children’s exposure to dangers in the home. Examples of such strategies include, but are not limited to, making adequate environmental changes, which involves activities such as childproofing the home; increased or improved supervision of children; and teaching children about safety. She said that following these simple guidelines will make your home much safer for you and your children.