Toxic Sleep
by Dr. Theresa
Warner
As chiropractors, we are well aware of the devastating
effects of subluxation, especially in children. One cause of subluxation is
chemical assault to the immune and nervous systems. This can often occur in
children without parental knowledge.
It may be caused by something as simple as the clothing
they are wearing or the bedding they are sleeping upon. Toxic chemicals are
often used in the final treating of fabrics, which is one of the reasons that
new bedding and textiles often have a foul smell and/or rough texture.
Even if these children are receiving regular chiropractic
care, if they continue to wear toxic clothing and sleep on chemically treated
mattresses and bedding, they will persist in perpetual assault on their nervous
systems.
However, there are preventative measures we can take to
avoid or eliminate this situation.
As chiropractors it is our responsibility, for our own
children and those of our practice members, to find out all we can about
eliminating these toxins from our home.
Children are especially vulnerable to chemicals. Their
immature immune and liver detoxification systems cause them to be much more
sensitive than adults to such things as bleach, dyes, and toxic compounds.
When choosing the right fabrics for your children, many
factors should be taken into account. In general, the less chemical processing
and fewer dies and finishes added to the fabric, the less likely the material
is to cause an adverse/allergic reaction.
There are two divisions of fabrics: naturally derived and
synthetic.
Synthetic fibers should be avoided for children. They are
generally made of the primary sources petroleum and cellulose (cotton liners
and wood pulp). They are not breathable nor absorbable, which makes them hot in
summer and cold in winter. Frequently, they hold an electric charge, which
produces static cling and requires chemical sprays.
Poly blends and cellulose-based synthetic fabrics (rayon,
acetate, and triacetate) require heavy chemical finishes. These toxic chemicals
can cause allergies, chemical sensitivities and serious health problems. Pure
untreated synthetic fibers (100% polyester and nylon) rarely cause such
reactions.
Natural fabrics include cotton, linen, wool, cashmere and
silk. The best fabric for children is 100% cotton. Conventional cotton is the
type sold in most stores. Although it has a few environmental drawbacks due to
pesticide use, it is generally hypoallergenic, washable, breathable, soft and
durable.
Be aware that "permanent press" and
"wrinkle free" clothing have been chemically treated and should be
avoided. The formaldehyde resin finishes can compromise the child's immune
system.
Organic cotton is raised without the use of pesticides.
Green cotton actually appears beige in color, is unbleached, undyed, and
formaldehyde-free. The organic and "green" cotton can have several
drawbacks including problems with scratchiness, shrinkage, and a strong and
irritating odor, which requires several washings to remove.
Many fabrics receive a variety of chemical treatments,
including: static-resistant, wrinkle- resistant, flame-retardant and several
others.
All children's "sleepwear" is required by law
to meet federal flammability standards. Most fabrics treated with
flame-retardant chemicals continuously emit toxic formaldehyde gas.
"Breathing formaldehyde gas above the levels of 0.1
parts per million for an extended period of time will cause many health
problems, such as headaches, dizziness, scratchy eyes and throat, nasal
congestion, coughing, and immune system abnormalities.
Unfortunately, most fabrics treated with flame-resistant
chemicals, especially the Tetrakis compounds, continuously emit toxic and
allergic formaldehyde gas -- sometimes as high as 500 parts per million -- at
the surface of the fabric ("The Natural Nursery: The Parents Guide to
Ecologically Sound, Nontoxic, Safe, and Healthy Baby Care," by Louis
Pottkotter, M.D., 1994, Chicago: Contemporary Books). Formaldehyde resins in
fabric can cause symptoms such as itching, eczema, hives, and other skin
reactions.
Pillows and mattresses can also be the cause of chemical
inhalants. Since a baby can spend as many as 18 hours a day sleeping, it is
important to give all products a good "sniff" prior to letting the
child rest on the item. Organic or green cotton pillows typically emit a strong
natural odor that can be very irritating to the throat, lungs, eyes and nose.
These pillows and mattresses may not be able to be washed thoroughly prior to
use (due to potential shrinkage) and if so should be avoided.
It is important to educate your patients about these
toxicities and how they can eliminate them from their homes. There are
preventive measures chiropractors and parents can take:
*** Steer clear of purchasing products with chemical
finishes such as permanent press, wrinkle-resistant, antistatic, water- or
stain-repellent.
*** Avoid fabrics that have been treated with
formaldehyde-based resins that can cause allergic skin reactions.
*** All new clothing and bedding should be washed and
dried three times prior to your child wearing it for the first time.
*** Use fragrance-free laundry detergent to which no
perfumes have been added. Avoid the use of fabric softeners, antistatic
products, chlorine bleach and stain removing products as they often contain
fragrance and toxic substances that can irritate children's skin, eyes, nose
and throat.
*** Avoid "dry clean only" products as they may
contain residual toxic chemicals that can pollute the air for up to a week
after they are brought home. If you have to dry clean a product, remove the
item from the plastic covering immediately and let the fabric air out
(preferably outside your home) for a few days.
As parents it is our responsibility to become as informed
as possible about these issues. As chiropractors it is our duty to provide this
information to our practice members. If we are able to prevent chemical causes
of nervous system interference and subluxation in daily life, we will be
providing an invaluable service to the children of our community.
(Drs. Theresa and Stuart Warner, whose New Jersey
practice is comprised of 60% children under seven, present 40 pediatric
programs around the world each year for chiropractic associations and colleges.
The Warners are the founders of "Kids Day America/International," and
the non-profit World Children's Wellness Foundation. Comments or questions
about issues raised in this column or regarding children's wellness and
chiropractic in general may be directed to Dr. Theresa Warner by phone at 732/295-5437;
fax, 732/295-1166; or e-mail, info@chiropediatrics.com.)
© Copyright
1986-2001 The Chiropractic Journal
Exit Menu
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Entry Location | Exit Action |
| 1 | From inside Satori-5 | Close this webpage |
| 2 | From outside Satori-5 | Visit Satori-5 Homepage |
| 3 | From outside Satori-5 | Use browser "Back" button to return |
| Goodbye | ||
