New floor Possible breathing problems for babies

New floor leads to: breathing problems in babies

17/12/2014

New floor in the living environment of pregnant women significantly increases the risk of infants suffering from respiratory complaints in the first year of life.

This is the conclusion of a study by the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the Municipal Hospital "St. Georg". The scientists therefore recommend not to renovate at least during pregnancy and the first year of life.

The cause of these health risks can be increased concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as styrene or ethylbenzene in the living areas, which evaporate from the new floors and are then taken in via the respiratory air. Particularly at risk are children whose mother or father has already suffered from asthma, hay fever or other allergic diseases. These children quintuple the risk.