Skip to main content

Dustless Chalk May Cause Allergy and Asthma Symptoms in Students With Milk Allergy, Study Finds

Many of today's schools and school teachers opt for dustless chalk to keep hands and classrooms clean. But according to a study published in the May issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), this choice in chalk may cause allergy and asthma symptoms in students that have a milk allergy.

Casein, a milk protein, is often used in low-powder chalk. When milk allergic children inhale chalk particles containing casein, life-threatening asthma attacks and other respiratory issues can occur.
"Chalks that are labeled as being anti-dust or dustless still release small particles into the air," said Carlos H. Larramendi, MD, lead study author. "Our research has found when the particles are inhaled by children with milk allergy, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can occur. Inhalation can also cause nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose."
Milk allergy affects an estimated 300,000 children in the United States, according to the ACAAI. Although it has been believed the majority of children will outgrow milk allergy by age three, recent studies contradict this theory, showing school aged children are still affected. However, 80 percent of children with milk allergy will likely outgrow it by age 16.
"Chalk isn't the only item in a school setting that can be troublesome to milk allergic students," said James Sublett, MD, chair of the ACAAI Indoor Environment Committee. "Milk proteins can also be found in glue, paper, ink, and in other children's lunches."
Even in the wake of whiteboards, overhead projectors and tablets, chalk is a classroom staple that likely won't become extinct anytime soon. Parents with milk allergic children should ask to have their child seated in the back of the classroom where they are less likely to inhale chalk dust, advises Sublett.
"Teachers should be informed about foods and other triggers that might cause health problems for children," said Sublett. "A plan for dealing with allergy and asthma emergencies should also be shared with teachers, coaches and the school nurse. Children should also carry allergist prescribed epinephrine, inhalers or other life-saving medications."
If your child is sneezing and wheezing at school, you should see a board-certified allergist for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Was ist Ringworm?

Was ist Ringworm Ringworm ist eine häufige Hautkrankheit, die auch als Tinea bekannt. Zwar gibt es mehrere Formen der Flechte, die häufigste auf die Haut am Körper (Tinea corporis), der Kopfhaut (Tinea capitis), die Füße (Fußpilz oder "Fußpilz") oder der Leistengegend (Tinea cruris oder "jock Juckreiz"). Wer von Ringelflechte betroffen ist? Menschen aller Altersgruppen können von Ringelflechte betroffen sein, aber Kinder und ältere Menschen sind besonders anfällig für es. (1-4) Einige der Pilze verursachen Scherpilzflechte sind nur auf den Menschen zu finden, und einige sind ausschließlich für Tiere. Viele Tierarten einschließlich Haustiere wie Hunde, Katzen, Rinder, Ziegen, können Schweine, Schafe, Kaninchen, Nagetiere und Vögel von Ringelflechte Befall betroffen sein. Wie ist Ringelflechte verbreiten? Die Infektion breitet sich durch direkten Kontakt mit der Läsionen. Die Läsion enthält Pilzsporen. Die Sporen möglicherweise auf die infizier...
2 comments
Read more

advice for the public about Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following: Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why?  Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why?  When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoid ...
1 comment
Read more

Information about cancer

Cancer  Cancer is a group of diseases that can affect all parts of the body .Including tumors and malignant tumors . A feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries and invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs , is the famous name of metastasis. And then metastases represent the leading causes of death from cancer Factors that cause cancer   Physical ultraviolet and ionizing radiation Chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant )   Biological such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites. How can the burden of cancer be reduced? The knowledge about the causes of cancer and interventions for preventing and dealing the disease is extensive . Cancer can be reduced and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies f...
Post a Comment
Read more