Asthma is an inflammatory condition which affects the respiratory system, causing swelling in the airways which can kill those who aren’t properly equipped to deal with it. For the most part, asthma attacks will cause wheezing and shortness of breath but won’t directly threaten a life, this isn’t always the case however and it’s up to the asthmatic to always be prepared for the worst and keep, at the very least, an inhaler on them at all times.
You’ll find asthma commonly among the younger population and on average in the schools in the USA there are two asthmatic children per classroom. Teachers are being taught the best ways to deal with an asthma attack and the hope is that, by equipping them properly for any circumstance, a teacher can save a students life. Several kids die each year from a severe attack which could have been prevented.
Researchers are now looking at the triggers for asthma attacks. They’re aware of the largest ones with which even slight contact can be dangerous, they’re now looking at the smaller and less obvious triggers. There’s a pair of chemicals called diethyl phthalate (DEP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BbzP) and they exist in personal care and plastic products most commonly, it’s been shown that exposure to these two can increase the chance of asthmatic airway inflammation. What this means is that for children with asthma who come into contact with these chemicals on a regular bases, an asthma attack is much more likely.
The chemicals get into the bloodstream and the urine. Kids who’ve had a lot of contact actually exhale excess levels of nitric oxide which is a marker for airway inflammation and can help to spur it along.
So far there’s only been one study into these chemicals but more will be following. Until then it would be pointless getting into a panic, try and work out if any of the products in your home contain the pair and if you’re kid’s are asthmatic then it’ll be safest to keep these items out of reach!
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