Archiv der Kategorie ‘Healthy Living‘

UNEXPECTED THINGS from MIHO

Living with MIHO – Home Accessories



MIHO – Unexpected Things is a trend from Italy, which sets new standards in the area of decorative accessories for your living space. Unexpected accents that will surprise everyone. MIHO is pure lifestyle, living in the 21st century: creative, trendy, quirky, and made ​from organic, non-toxic materials.

Unexpected – marvelously patterned, colourful antlers from MIHO


The style of MIHO is unique and anyone who holds a decorative object from MIHO in his hand probably asks himself, how the designer came up with this absolutely hilarious idea. A deer head with antlers in bright colours, which can be assembled from individual pre-cut pieces – unique pieces that will delight everyone with their exceptional patterns – plaids, florals, dots. There’s a bird house with a rose design that is so unique that everyone has to take a second look. Decorative items from MIHO give each room that extra kick, regardless of your personal decorating style.

MIHO – decorative accessories that will astonish you

Tradition lies behind the unusual creativity. The idea for the unique MIHO home accessories comes from Italy – the craftsmanship and production of these unique objects, from Germany. More specifically, it was the old Italian company Pianezza, which is world renowned for its exceptional materials, that developed this idea together with Werkhaus, a German company.

MIHO – an unusual gift idea


Patty in Paris: “I received my first MIHO as a gift. I unpacked it, was absolutely flabbergasted when I saw it, and immediately began to assemble the various pre-cut parts. I was so excited about the quirky, unusual design that I had overlooked the instructions. Nevertheless, I had my first MIHO object assembled within minutes without needing any tools and I was able to hang the MIHO deer head up immediately. It is an absolute eye-catcher that now embellishes my office and I can see that everyone who comes in is totally amazed.

What particularly excited me was the high-quality, organic material from which the MIHO designs are made. The paint is free of pollutants and the environmental MDF pieces fit together perfectly. No glue, no toxic materials. In my eyes, this is really innovative and very up-to-date.

My second MIHO design followed very quickly – a bird house in an extraordinary floral – checkered design. Astonishing! It adds such a nice accent hanging on the wall next to my deer antlers. In addition I placed a MIHO stool next to my desk. The larger part consists of a wooden pattern, which is complemented by a totally unexpected plaid and floral print. The stool is quite unusual looking and is very practical since it’s very stable and can be used as additional storage space. What I’m missing now, and what happens to be at the top of my wish list, is the butterfly display case. I’m sure it’s no secret when I tell you that MIHO is a crazy, colourful, extravagant living trend, which can turn you into a collector in no time.

Take a look at the ** UNEXPECTED THINGS from MIHO ** in the online shop from PureNature.

BPA, Found in Soup Can Lining, Associated with Adverse Health Effects in Humans

Consuming Canned Soup Linked to Greatly Elevated Levels of the Chemical BPA

A new study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that a group of volunteers who consumed a serving of canned soup each day for five days had a more than 1,000% increase in urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations compared with when the same individuals consumed fresh soup daily for five days. The study is one of the first to quantify BPA levels in humans after ingestion of canned foods.

The findings were published online November 22, 2011, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and will appear in the November 23/30 print issue.

“Previous studies have linked elevated BPA levels with adverse health effects. The next step was to figure out how people are getting exposed to BPA. We’ve known for a while that drinking beverages that have been stored in certain hard plastics can increase the amount of BPA in your body. This study suggests that canned foods may be an even greater concern, especially given their wide use,” said Jenny Carwile, a doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and lead author of the study.

Exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, used in the lining of metal food and beverage cans, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity in humans. In addition to the lining of food and beverage cans, BPA is also found in polycarbonate bottles (identified by the recycling number 7) and dentistry composites and sealants.

The researchers, led by Carwile and Karin Michels, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology, set out to quantify whether canned-soup consumption would increase urinary BPA concentrations relative to eating fresh soup.

They recruited student and staff volunteers from HSPH. One group consumed a 12-ounce serving of vegetarian canned soup each day for five days; another group consumed 12 ounces of vegetarian fresh soup (prepared without canned ingredients) daily for five days. After a two-day “washout” period, the groups reversed their assignments.

Urine samples of the 75 volunteers taken during the testing showed that consumption of a serving of canned soup daily was associated with a 1,221% increase in BPA compared to levels in urine collected after consumption of fresh soup.

The researchers note that the elevation in urinary BPA concentrations may be temporary and that further research is needed to quantify its duration.

“The magnitude of the rise in urinary BPA we observed after just one serving of soup was unexpected and may be of concern among individuals who regularly consume foods from cans or drink several canned beverages daily. It may be advisable for manufacturers to consider eliminating BPA from can linings,” said Michels, senior author of the study.

Support for this study was provided by an Allen Foundation grant and a Training Grant in Environmental Epidemiology from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Literature:

Jenny L. Carwile, Xiaoyun Ye, Xiaoliu Zhou, Anotonia M. Calafat, Karin B. Michels, “Canned Soup Consumption and Urinary Bishphenol A: A Randomized Crossover Trial,”JAMA, online Nov. 22, 2011; in Nov. 23/30 print issue.

Video Channel:  Harvard School of Public Health

Twitter: Harvard School of Public Health

Prof. Doris Rapp – An icon of environmental medicine visits Germany

Evidence for the causes of environmental diseases have been around for a long time

The doctor and scientist Doris Rapp is one of those who not only practice environmental medicine, but has also made environmental medicine the most important thing in her life. The American spent two weeks in Germany. The reunion with Prof. Rapp was very productive and we were lucky enough to spend a beautiful day on the Moselle. Here is a small summary.

Researcher documented environmental disease

I met Prof. Rapp for the first time at a congress in Bad Emstal about 18 years ago. It was a crucial experience. In her presentation, she showed a video about a teacher who became ill from contaminated carpeting in the school. The teacher was filmed during a reaction to contaminated dust from the carpet. This video vividly conveys to the viewer what MCS is and what a reaction can look like. At that time I was at the very beginning of my own illness and had had similar reactions to certain pesticides. The teacher experienced convulsions and fell unconscious. I thought “my goodness, that’s me, that’s exactly like me, that’s what you have…“ After the lecture I spoke with Prof. Rapp and that was the beginning of an ongoing exchange of information and an interesting friendship. We met again at conferences in Germany, Holland and in the U.S., visited each other in Germany and the United States and exchanged e-mails. When I visited her in Scottsdale, she showed me one of her video archives. She had stored thousands of videos of children whom she had treated. They showed the patients during and after therapy and during testing of foods, mold, pollen, dust mites or chemicals. They displayed impressive evidence that can remove any last doubts as to the existence of environmental illnesses and allergies.

We can no longer ignore environmental illnesses

Dr. Binz and his wife invited the environmental doctor for this most recent visit to Germany. We had actually arranged to meet for a trip along the Moselle, which would start before lunch. We had a warm reunion and before we knew it we had already exchanged information and ideas and were in the midst of planning for future projects.

“I’m over 80 years old now and have no children, I don’t really need to be doing all this and I could be enjoying my peace at this age, but I see what’s going on, and I simply cannot remain silent. We have so many chemicals in our environment, in the food we eat, in the water we drink and the air that we are constantly breathing. They affect each of our body systems and we can no longer ignore this. Almost every second person in my country has cancer and that is just not acceptable”, says Doris Rapp.

“The politicians and the public must realize the impact the flood of chemicals has on us and no one should keep insisting that we do not know where all the increasing diseases that occur are coming from. The evidence is there. We have animal testing to prove it. That’s why, as a doctor, I ask: How much more has to happen before we admit to the real causes? I won’t accept hearing when one says, “Yes, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” Yes, there is, because you can educate yourself and there’s a hell of a lot you can do,” says Prof Rapp, who is enraged about the current situation.

Solutions are often very simple

Prof. Rapp is no one who can be at odds with the world and ignore the solutions. She is in the process of writing another book. “It will be a small book, only 30 pages. Every reader can easily understand how he/she can shape his environment in order to stay healthy. The tips in this book will not cost anyone a fortune, they can easily be implemented without major expense. It will help anyone who wants to change something and wants to improve his health. The doctor cites two examples:

“Many people react to foods, but are not sure towards which foods. Expensive tests are not necessary. I advise people to think about what they eat most, foods that they downright crave. Experience has shown that these are the foods that are eaten every day and most likely those which cause reactions. The solution: omit the suspected food for a week. You can test one food after another. This costs nothing! ”

“Some people live in a house that is contaminated with pollutants or contaminated by mold. My experience is that five out of seven people can improve their health by 70% if they obtain a high quality air purifier that is capable of filtering hundreds of chemicals from the air in your home. Such an air purifier may cost a bit, but I have often seen patients who got better over night. So it’s worth it if you are unable to directly move out of the apartment or house.”

The new book will be published this year, and Professor Rapp has authorized me to translate it into German. She also gave me permission to translate videos and other books into our language, contributing knowledge to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive people in the German-speaking countries, helping them to find a way back into life.

 

A trip along the Moselle

During the drive to the historic Moselle wine village, Bernkastel, to Traben-Trabach and the drive back to Trier, Prof. Rapp was bursting with innovative ideas that we will begin to put into action in the next few months and they will benefit the environmentally ill in many ways.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 12 September 2011

Fibromyalgia: Smoking Linked with Chronic Pain

Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to report pain syndromes

Smokers are much more likely to report problems with persistent musculoskeletal pain than non-smokers, according to a new study reported in the Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society.

Researchers from the University of Kentucky School of Public Health surveyed more than 6000 women participating in the Kentucky Women’s Health Registry, which regularly polls women on health-related issues to better understand the state’s disease burden. The study was intended to assess the association of smoking with the presence of different types of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Only two states have a higher smoking prevalence than Kentucky, estimated at 25 percent. The state also ranks first in smoking-related deaths per capita among women.

Several previous studies have linked smoking and chronic pain, especially low back pain. The consensus of past research is that smokers of both sexes are more likely than nonsmokers to report pain syndromes.

The Kentucky researchers categorized survey respondents according to age and smoking status, with smokers further classified by their amount of daily cigarette intake. Respondents also were asked about pain symptoms and if they had been diagnosed with musculoskeletal pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia and low-back pain. Pain variables selected for analysis were the presence or absence of low-back pain, neck pain, sciatica, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, joint pain and pain all over the body.

The study findings showed that smokers are significantly more likely to report chronic pain than nonsmokers. Daily smokers were two times more likely to report pain than non smokers. Those who smoke a pack or more a day also were most likely to report a high burden of chronic pain.

The authors noted that smoking-induced coughing increases abdominal pressure and back pain and nicotine may decrease pain thresholds by sensitizing pain receptors. The study also showed a dose-dependent relationship between smoking frequency and having chronic pain syndrome. This may indicate that smoking cessation treatments could be helpful for chronic pain management therapy.

Author: American Pain Society, Smoking Linked with Chronic Pain, August 23, 2011

Gazpacho ingredients lose vitamin C during preparation

Scientists recommend eating gazpacho as soon as it is prepared

In summer, more dishes like gazpacho – a cold soup containing raw vegetables, bread, olive oil and vinegar – are consumed. A new study has revealed that ingredients’ vitamin C content as well as other organic acids is lower in the resulting mixture, meaning that it should be eaten immediately after preparation.

Is it true that cutting fruit and boiling vegetables cause vitamin loss? A new study has examined gazpacho, one of the most popular Spanish summer dishes, comparing the levels of vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid) and other organic acids (citric, oxalic, fumaric, malic and glutamic) found in each of the ingredients separately before preparation and in the resulting gazpacho.

“We found that the gazpacho showed a lower ascorbic/dehydroascorbic acid ratio than the vegetables used to prepare it,” explained Elena María Rodríguez, co-author of the study conducted by the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of La Laguna (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). She added: “This suggests that some of the vegetables’ antioxidant capacity is lost.”

Of the ingredients, peppers had the highest vitamin C content, followed by tomatoes, and then the gazpacho itself. In general, tomatoes and garlic contained the highest levels of organic acids, whereas cucumbers presented the lowest content. Garlic and onions had the highest concentrations of the main organic acids present, glutamic and citric, than the other vegetables.

The authors therefore recommend eating gazpacho as soon as it has been prepared, or “preserving it correctly so that the vegetables maintain their antioxidant characteristics.”

A drink to beat the heat

Gazpacho is a natural source of vitamins (A, C and E), carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, potassium and sodium. It also provides fibre and antioxidant substances such as lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red colouring, and carotenoids. Given its mineral salt content, it is considered to be isotonic as it prevents over-hydration during summer.

Although there are recipes for all tastes, gazpacho generally contains bread, olive oil, vinegar and raw vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and garlic). Given its low calorie content, it is usually served cold during the hot summer months.

References:

C.M. Verde Méndez, E.M. Rodríguez Rodríguez, C. Díaz Romero, M.C. Sánchez Mata, M.C. Matallana González y M.E. Torija Isasa. “Vitamin C and organic acid contents in Spanish ”Gazpacho” soup related to the vegetables used for its elaboration process”. CyTA – Journal of Food 9(1): 71, mayo de 2011.

Photo: Javier Lastra

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PureNature Online Shop now available in Spain

Since July 8th, 2011, we are pleased to welcome an online PureNature shop in Spain. Spanish customers will find over 2,000 products that will help them to live more comfortably with their allergies and to assist them with more environmentally conscious living.

A customer on-site service director has been operating since last year. Our representative, Mr. David Palma has replied to the Spanish customer inquiries with great expertise and is in constant contact with his German colleagues in order to satisfy all customer requests and inquiries with the greatest customer satisfaction.

The translation of the PureNature products took many months to complete and is ongoing. The effort has paid off, because with the launch of the online store, it is now much easier for the Spanish customers to shop. The goods are shipped from the PureNature, based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany to Spain. The new customers are welcomed by receiving free shipping during the month of July with their first order.

A warm welcome to Spain, and at this point, a big thank you to David Palma and his wife Eva Caballé, without whom this project would never have become a reality!

All the best,

from the entire PureNature team

 

Have a look at the new Spanish PureNature Shop: www.purenature.es

 

Guidelines to improve employee health

Employer demands: No perfume, no cookies, no soda, no French fries…

The staff at the New York Health Department must make fundamental changes. The new service manual, titled “Life in the Cubicle Village” requires drastic changes in many parts of the workplace. Employees are discouraged in using perfume and scented body care products, and are encouraged to change their eating habits in the workplace. The New York City Health Department wants to set a good example and be a role model to the other people in the city. Refraining from eating cookies and consuming fried food is now enforced under the new guidelines. Not all employees like these new changes, but these changes are useful if one looks seriously at the goal of being a role model to others, initiated by this employer.

Bureau represents personal health interests

The New York Department of Health has prevailed in the past to improve the health of its city inhabitants, which at times has caused a stir. Initially, the general smoking ban on the beaches in the region was a difficult transition, as was the prohibition of the use of hydrogenated cooking oil in fast food restaurants in the city.

With the new guidelines, the health department clarifies that these prohibitions are designed to seriously improve the health of the population. Not all employees are happy about the changes in the manual and some perceive them as intolerable harassment, and are not pleased with the threatening fine for non-compliance. Others are happy and have recognized that the health and well being of all employees will be enhanced by the reforms.

Employer demands employees to omit fragrances and perfume

“Spreading odors is just like noise spreading beyond the walls in the cubicle,” explained the York Board of Health. Their employees need the knowledge that it is important to refrain from fragrances and to refrain from dispensing of perfume because some people are very sensitive and react to the chemicals in perfume, cologne and other perfumed products. Therefore employees are being asked to maintain good personal hygiene without using products with noticeable fragrance or odor.

No detergent, disinfectant, or room scents allowed

Because many commercially available cleaning agents and disinfectants contain chemicals harmful to health, the health department requires that employees leave such products at home and not bring them to the workplace. If an employee needs a cleaning agent, he may apply to the cleaning service which has available products satisfying the required safety standards. “Air freshener” or room sprays, because of their ingredients, which can harm the health of others, are prohibited in the workplace of the Cubicle Village as well.

Healthy diet instead of sweet and greasy

French fries at meetings, events, or at the employee birthday parties? A “No Go” at the New York Department of Health. Fried food is not allowed. If a cake is brought to the party, then no cookies are allowed. Instead, whole-grain crackers are served. The preferred drink is filtered water because it is healthier and avoids high calories. If an employee or his colleague still wants to offer something different, the drink should not exceed 25 calories per pint. Filtered water must still be on the table. These provisions are designed to protect health and the environment.

Bureau will practice what they preach

The New York Health Department’s colored booklet with new operating procedures may not set so well with some employees, but on the other hand, the department actually requires no more from the employees than what they themselves will practice. They will practice what they preach in order to improve the health of people in New York. One goal is to cut obesity, reduce heart disease by cutting down on the fats and salty foods, cut down on allergies, asthma and other diseases that are common in the population which can be caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Their new guidelines will promote healthy lifestyles instead.

To simply preach to New Yorkers, to be free of salty, greasy fast food, alcohol, cigarettes, sweets and to avoid donuts is not enough. Will those in charge continue to consume these items? To ban soft drinks in schools, at festivals, and in staff offices while those making the guidelines still continue to use these? A true role model would in fact also refrain from the items they are asking their employees to refrain from. That is the commitment which those in charge have made to their employees.

After two or three years, the Department of Health will be able to prove that the new guidelines are actually not arbitrary harassment, but are measures that serve the health of the people. It is expected that the causes of absenteeism of around 3,000 employees, and leaving the profession due to illness and deaths from degenerative diseases will be reduced. Such figures could provide the health department the black and white proof needed for New Yorkers, that a healthy lifestyle, a good diet, and refraining from chemical products can have a positive impact.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, June 2011

Organic Food in Schools Costs Only 24 Cents More

100 percent organic food for children in schools and kindergartens

The scientific findings in recent years leave no doubt that children should receive as much organic food as possible. Conventional food, especially fruit and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides and other agro- chemicals. Although it is said that maximum levels for certain pesticides are rarely exceeded, that doesn’t mean it is safe and clear for all consumers. The trick of the agricultural industry is easy to see, just use different pesticides in the exchange and thus press the values for the individual pesticide. Moreover, recently the limits have increased for a number of highly toxic pesticides EU-wide. The Pesticide Action Network released results from new inspections, which can detect the degree of pesticides used. Celery, for example, contained 69 different pesticides. No one can predict the health effects of such pesticide cocktails except that such food is not healthy. Disorders such as hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder in children are under scientific investigation with a connection associated with elevated pesticide levels.

For only 24 cents more, one can have organics on the table

Usually the argument given to parents has been, “Organic food is too expensive”, but that is not the case. For only 24 cents more, parents can inform the schools, kindergartens, and day care centers that organic food for children and young people is indeed affordable.

AID reported that many initiatives in recent years proved that organic food is not too expensive. There is also an increasing percentage of organic components incorporated into the daily meal. That even the whole so-called, out-of-home, on organic food can be changed. It is more of a question of commitment. For example, the Munich-based initiative “Bio for Kids” just a four-year project, carried out the organic commitment very positively.

Using start-up funding from sponsor companies, a total of 28 facilities have succeeded in fully converting to organic without any problem. Everything was represented from parents having their own kitchen staff to external caterers.

The cost increases were kept to very manageable limits

The main meal cost per child was only 24 cents more, compared to conventional food. It is important that institutions become independent and no longer remain dependent on sponsors. The mystery of the small additional cost was reported in the improvement of kitchen management: Systematic shopping, less meat, the production of long-term supply plans, seasonal cooking or resorting to organic products from the region all played a crucial role.

Reasons why you should use organic food in the kitchen

The purchase of organic food supports sustainable land management and protects nature and the environment. Organic products contain less nitrate and residues of chemical plant protection products (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides) than conventional products. Fruit and vegetables from organic farming compared to conventional products have a higher nutrient density and a higher content of secondary plant substances. Animals are fed appropriately and kept – no growth and performance enhancers are used. Organic foods are carefully processed, only a few additives are allowed. Shopping for regional and seasonal products will also strengthen the regional provider, saving long-distance transportation. In addition, the value chain of organic food can be wonderfully explained; whether one has preschoolers or school children.

Are there good arguments against having organic food in schools? NO

There is nothing one can say against organic, and for only around five Euros a month, organic meals in schools are a viable investment that will ultimately be offset by better performance and healthy children.

Healthy eating can be fun – chefs show how to do it

Some top chefs are in great need to instruct children in healthy eating. Jamie Oliver has cooked time and time again in schools and provided delicious recipes that taste really great to children.

In Dortmund, the German chef, Mark Haxton, has cooked with children is a primary school. This year, eleven other organic cookery events with students in various German cities, have scheduled events with this chef. He is not the only German chef who is committed to organic farming on the website, for example, we can see other projects in which children were obviously having much fun cooking organic food and tasting too. Parents should show courage and propose that their child’s school convert to organic. Perhaps parents can even suggest other ecological projects or help make it possible to create and organic garden for the school, which brings children closer to nature.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

  • Aid, 100 percent organic food for children, June 9th, 2010
  • University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Sarah Yang, Release: Children susceptible to pesticides longer than expected, study finds, 22 June 2009

12 tips for environmentally conscious and healthy living

 

Our planet is suffering and it is time that we are careful with resources and the environment. With a little thought and know-how, anyone can contribute to a healthier environment and thus to a healthier life for themselves.

  1. Use items over again, instead of constantly buying new products. Look around to see if the item you are considering purchasing is actually needed.
  2. Surround yourself with natural durable materials, instead of polluting the environment with plastic materials.
  3. Avoid unnecessary products, like room fragranced sprays, and air fresheners which pollute the environment and are often unhealthy. Instead, ventilate with fresh air which is free!
  4. Switch to organic, which reduces pollution and is better for your health. Shop at local farmers markets, which cuts down on transportation of products.
  5. Fill the washing machine completely, not only half way. Dry your clothes outside instead of in the dryer.
  6. Turn off electrical devices when they are not in use. Pull the plug out from the wall because otherwise many devices will consume more power.
  7. Avoid bottled water. Drinking plenty of water is healthy, but the transportation of this water to markets is often long. Water from plastic bottles also takes more resources and can lead to more pollution. Filter your tap water which saves money and resources.
  8. Take a basket or tote bag to the market with you instead of constantly using new plastic bags which can pollute nature.
  9. Avoid expensive packaged products.
  10. Do a lot of walking instead of always using the car. It consumes less fuel and is better for the environment.
  11. Power with “green energy.”
  12. Plant a tree in the garden. It filters the air, produces tons of oxygen and binds the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

 

Allergies caused by cuddly animals

An early determination of whether a child is sensitized to inhaled allergens such as pollen, mold or dust mites, serves as an important prognostic factor. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of small children is quite difficult to perform. Scientists from Belgium found that stuffed animals have an influence on the development of allergies in children.

Testing to identify allergies

A Belgian team of scientists tried, through a study of infants aged 0 to 2 years, to determine whether the allergies of children are based on a relation to environmental influences, or based on whether one has a family history of allergies. For this purpose, 824 infants who were previously tests with skin tests, inhaled allergens, and foods in an asthma clinic, were examined by the medical profession.

Stuffed animals make for allergies

It was determined that 40% of young children could be allergic. 28% responded to the respiratory allergens such as house dust, pollen and molds. For most young children dust mite allergens were the worst.

What the scientists also discovered is astonishing

Among children who slept with stuffed animals in bed, allergies were much more pronounced than in children who took no soft animals to bed. Factors such as gender, residence in a nursery, or eczema did not matter in the development of allergy, according to the doctors.

Sacrifice not necessary

Children love their stuffed animals, and they give them security. To take them away does not make sense. To make sure a stuffed animal does not lead to allergies, one should purchase a stuffed animal free of pollutants. Some manufacturers have already attempted to make them free of chemicals and other irritating substances. As a further preventive measure, only one stuffed animal should be taken to bed. It is also important for allergy prevention, to remember to wash soft toys regularly.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Image de Erling G, Mathot M, Agustsson S, Tuerlinckx D, Jamart J, Bodart E. Early skin sensitization to aero-allergens, Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 Apr; 38 (4) :643-8.