Health NW: Medication prices going up, up, up

The world is full of dangerous things that can harm children: speeding drivers, sharp edges on furniture, cleaning supplies under the sink, hot ovens and fireplaces. Protecting children from these obvious dangers is easy compared to the task of keeping them safe from the chemicals and toxins in our environment.

In our safety-conscious world, conscientious parents can go to great lengths to protect their children from harm. There is a huge market for safety gadgets designed to “childproof” homes. Some examples:

Gates to keep children away from staircases and out of forbidden rooms.

Plastic plugs for electrical outlets so curious kids don’t shock themselves.

Safety latches for kitchen and bathroom drawers and cabinets to keep kids out of the knives and cleaning supplies.

Locks for medicine cabinets and childproof pill bottles.

Childproofing your home is only part of the battle. In the last few decades, children in the United States have been exposed to myriad substances that didn’t exist until recently. In the same time period, the rates of many medical, developmental and behavioral problems have risen dramatically.

Though research has not definitively proved the link between substances in the environment and these health issues, common sense tells us that they are very likely associated. In the last 20 to 30 years:

Childhood cancer rates have increased 30 percent. Researchers are studying links between household chemicals, pesticides, magnetic and electric fields and childhood cancers such as leukemia.

Asthma rates have increased 160 percent in children ages 0 to 4 years, due to increased pollution levels, such as particles from coal-burning power plants. Secondhand tobacco smoke also plays a role.

Autism rates have increased 300 percent in some areas. Attention deficit disorder rates are climbing. Some of the increase is because of improved ability to diagnose these problems, but this cannot account for the entire increase. The National Institute of Environmental Health is working to understand how lead, mercury, alcohol, nicotine and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) affect the brains of children.

One percent of all babies are born with heart defects. Chemicals such as paints, solvents, pesticides and dioxin may cause some of these malformations.

Developing fetuses, infants and young children are susceptible to the effects of chemicals. The developing brain and nervous system can be affected by much smaller quantities of substances than would affect adults.

Young children and women who are pregnant (or who are trying to become pregnant) or breastfeeding need to be especially careful about their exposure to chemicals in the home, garden or workplace. Avoid craft or home improvement projects that involve exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Eliminate aerosols from your home; pump sprays are safer.

For young children, natural fibers such as cotton and wool are safer than synthetics, which may be treated with flame retardant PBDEs.

Organic fruits, vegetables, milk and meat may be more expensive, but are certainly safer since they are raised without pesticides and hormones.

If your water comes from a well, have it checked for bacteria and nitrates yearly.

Homes have carpets, plastics and other synthetic materials that give off gases. Especially in winter, indoor air can be polluted. Open the windows in your home regularly and get fresh air flowing. Children should spend time outdoors each day whenever possible.

Kathryn B. Brown is a family nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing from OHSU. Is there a health topic you would like to read about? Send ideas to kbbrown@eastoregonian.com. You can find more local health news and information in the Health section at www.bluemountaineagle.info.