from journal Environment International
Part of the excitement of getting ready for the arrival of a new baby may be to prepare or redecorate a room for the baby. Researchers in Leipzig, Germany advise against exposing pregnant women to volatile organic compounds, such as those given off by new flooring. The same advice applies to newborns in their first year of life in order to avoid breathing problems. Earlier studies had already shown that chemicals from home renovations--especially new flooring or new carpet--lead to changes in the immune system of newborn children. According to the article in the scientific journal Environment International researchers say avoiding redecorating during pregnancy or in the first year of life is even more critical if the mother or father already suffer airway diseases such as asthma.