Babies are highly vulnerable to the various chemicals present in our homes due to their fragile and developing immune systems. Whether it's paint, bedding, furniture, toys, or cleaning products, everything in their environment can pose a threat to their health and development. Find our tips and explanations to help you prevent exposure to toxic products in your baby's room!
But as an introduction, what exactly are the chemicals we find in our homes?
These are VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are chemical substances present in many products and materials and are omnipresent in our environment. They are found in certain cleaning products, in the glues used in certain furniture, in paints, and in many other products whose composition is unknown.
There are several types, such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene. Some are harmful to our health and can cause problems ranging from the creation of a child to adulthood.
In this article, we will detail the different impacts of VOCs, the goal not being to scare you, but to give you the information to expose yourself to them as little as possible.
- The impact of VOCs on fertility
Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs may be associated with fertility problems in both men and women.
In men , research shows that exposure to certain VOCs, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, may be associated with impaired sperm quality, including decreased sperm count and impaired sperm motility.
In women , there is a correlation between VOC exposure and hormonal imbalances or irregular menstruation. Some VOCs may also contain endocrine disruptors and therefore interfere with the normal functioning of the hormonal system, including reproductive hormones.
Finally, a shocking figure: exposure to VOCs is higher in indoor environments where ventilation is limited ( up to 8 times more polluted than outdoor environments ). It is therefore recommended to maintain good ventilation in these spaces and to use products with low VOC content!
- The impact on the pregnant woman
VOCs can cross the placental barrier and affect embryonic development (Michael Lee - Laboratory Director - Fertility Solutions). The embryo does not have a liver or lungs, which cannot act as a filter for hazardous substances.
Here is a list of possible impacts of overexposure to VOCs during pregnancy:
- Risk of congenital malformations
- Fetal growth retardation
- Increased risk of obstetric complications
- Effects on neurodevelopment
- The impact on the infant
Exposure to VOCs can also have consequences for infants, particularly when they are exposed during the early stages of development after birth.
Studies (such as the report on the first 1000 days of a child published in September 2020 by the French government) have suggested that high exposure in the first years of life can contribute to the development of allergic sensitizations, such as eczema, food allergies and respiratory allergies (asthma, respiratory tract conditions).
This exposure also disrupts neurological development: infants are particularly sensitive to the effects of VOCs on the nervous system during their development.
Finally, in some cases, infants experience rashes, redness, and itching.
- The after-effects as an adult
The after-effects of VOC exposure during childhood can persist into adulthood.
- Respiratory problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory tract conditions)
- Allergic sensitivities
- Neurological problems (learning disorders, attention disorders and cognitive disorders)
- Increased risk of cancer: Prolonged exposure to high levels of these substances during childhood may increase the risk of developing cancers
But then, how can we limit our exposure to VOCs?
Here are the methods to use to eliminate as many VOCs as possible from your home:
- Ventilate your house every day (20 minutes)
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products (white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, etc.)
- Limit the use of chemicals in your daily life
- Check your ventilation system
- Use natural candles (cotton wick, 100% vegetable wax or beeswax, no synthetic fragrances)
- Avoid air fresheners
- Use low or no VOC building materials and furniture
It's important to know that the VOC emission rate of a piece of furniture varies throughout its lifetime. It emits more in the first 5 years of its life, then less and less until it's 10 years old, at which point it's considered to no longer emit at all.
When choosing your furniture, you can base your decision on indoor air emission labels (A+, A, B, C). However, be aware that A+ paint can release up to 30g of VOCs into the air, which is not insignificant. The ideal solution, therefore, is to limit its use or ventilate significantly in the periods following a renovation.
If you're planning to do some renovations or renovations, we'd like to introduce you to Circa Diem . It's an online platform for healthy and sustainable architecture. Its goal is to help you find furniture with the lowest possible VOC emissions and that's respectful of the planet. In partnership with a specialized laboratory, Octopus, Circa Diem offers a complete air quality assessment for your home. You'll receive a detailed report, along with personalized recommendations for improvement.
We also invite you to discover our two podcast episodes in which we discuss the issue of arranging a baby's room and where you will discover lots of advice!
Episode 16: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/NvFLwSIc0Ab
Episode 17: https://urlz.fr/mHG5
And you, do you have other tips for breathing cleaner air?