Don't let your stationery shopping end at the hospital: Risk of allergies in children during school years!
Millions of parents don't realize that while packing their children's school supplies, they're actually adding a potential health risk to their bags. Prof. Dr. Cihangir Akgün, a pediatrician at Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital, warns families about the invisible danger lurking in scented and colorful stationery, which can trigger allergic reactions and turn school days into nightmares.
Red eyes, runny nose, asthmaProf. Dr. Akgün stated that scented erasers, felt-tip pens, and latex-containing products can cause allergic reactions in children, saying, "Products containing volatile organic compounds can cause headaches, coughing fits, itchy skin, red eyes, runny noses, and even asthma attacks in children." Prof. Dr. Akgün noted that symptoms are particularly severe in children with asthma or those prone to allergies, emphasizing that some substances in paints and felt-tip pens can cause contact dermatitis when they come into contact with the skin.
Professor Akgün, noting that closed classroom environments also increase the risk, said, “Inadequate ventilation leads to the inhalation of volatile compounds and dust mites. This can trigger allergic reactions in children. Book dust also contributes to allergic reactions. Therefore, newly purchased books should be aired out at home for a while. Taking simple precautions for the health of our children can prevent potential allergic problems during the school year.”
IMPORTANT WARNINGS FOR FAMILIESProfessor Dr. Akgün emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant and offered the following recommendations: “Hypoallergenic, well-known brands should be preferred over scented and unlicensed products. Latex-containing products should be avoided. Classrooms should be frequently ventilated. Children at high risk of allergies should be taken to specialists for necessary tests.”
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