Toxic chemicals in the home cause asthma in children, says study

In the summer and winter months, air samples from the children's homes were taken. High levels of benzene, ethylbenzene and toluene, which are volative organic compounds (VOCs) were found to increase the childrens' risks of getting asthma. These VOCs are in solvents, paint, polishes, glues and other products.

• Exposure at a young age to certain chemicals in household cleaning products may increase the risk of developing asthma, according to an Australian study.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical irritants found in a variety of cleaning and DIY products including solvents, paint, polishes and glues.
• They are known to be triggers for many people with asthma, so the researchers set out to test the theory that they might also cause asthma to develop in young children.
• Parents from both groups were asked for information about their children's health, the home environment and family history of asthma, allergies and smoking.
• Analysing their results, they identified benzene, ethylbenzene and toluene as the compounds most likely to increase the risk of developing asthma.
• 'Early infancy is a critical period in the development of a child's lungs and immune system,' commented Dr Matthew Hallsworth, Asthma UK's Research Manager.
• 'We already know that the development of asthma most likely depends on a complex interaction of genetics and environmental exposures during this period in a child's life.
• 'This study reminds us about the importance of indoor air quality and how it may affect the health of our lungs, especially for young children who can spend a large proportion of their time indoors,' he added.
• 'More research such as this should lead to an increased awareness of the asthma risk factors that may play a role in early childhood, and could bring us closer to being able understand how to prevent the development of asthma.'