Propylene glycol linked to allergies

We've just seen another story in the news about allergies in children, completely separate to yesterday's story about allergies and autumn babies.

A Swedish study has found that chemicals including propylene glycol - found in skin care products, paints and a wide range of other household products - may increase a child's allergy risk by as much as 180%.

The researchers analysed bedroom air in 400 children's bedrooms looked for 8 different compounds.

They discovered that where they found a higher concentration of PGEs (propylene glycol and glycol ethers), the child had between a 50% and 180% greater chance of having allergic conditions such as asthma, rhinitis and eczema.

The professor involved in the study commented: "Our findings once again raise the question of the health-related aspects of chemicals in our everyday lives.

"Particularly when it comes to exposure in our home environments, since small children and pregnant women spend a great deal of their time there and there are many indications that exposing fetuses and infants is probably more risky."

Propylene glycol-free skin care

Green People's natural children's skin care products and organic baby products are all made without propylene glycol and other chemicals such as phthalates, parabens and artificial fragrances.

Autumn babies more prone to allergies

New research has found that babies born in October and November are more prone to allergies than those born at other times of the year.

9.5% of 'autumn babies' showed an allergic response, compared to 5% of 'summer babies', and were 3 times more likely as the latter to be allergic to milk and eggs.

The scientists involved in the study believe that this may be due to a critical period when the baby is around 11 weeks old, which falls in April or May for autumn babies.

One of the researchers explained explained: "Children having their early gestational period in the pollen season for broad-leafed trees are more prone to sensitisation to food allergens than other children."

The study looked at over 5,000 Finnish children but researchers say it is still too early to determine all of the factors involved in the development of allergies.

Levels of allergies have risen rapidly over the past 50 years and now 30% of the UK population suffer from an allergy at some point during their life. Allergies can display in a variety of forms; skin allergies, asthma, food allergies and intolerances, and, at the most serious end of the allergy spectrum, anaphylaxis.

Many of those with skin allergies find relief in Green People products as we do not use common irritants such as SLS or artificial fragrances. We also have a special fragrance free range, Organic Base, which offers a range of bathroom essentials for those with ultra sensitive skin and allergies to essential oils.