Dishwashing & Childhood Allergies: A Growing Concern
Recent research highlights a potential link between household cleaning practices and the rising rates of allergies in children. Experts emphasize the crucial role of a healthy intestinal barrier in immune development during childhood, and damage to this barrier is increasingly associated with an elevated risk of food allergies. As Dr. Torres explains, alterations to the intestinal barrier can make children more susceptible to allergic diseases.
supporting this, a Swedish study published in Pediatrics found a lower prevalence of allergic diseases in children from homes where dishes were washed by hand. While researchers acknowledge this could reflect broader lifestyle or socioeconomic differences,the study suggests that exposure to certain chemical residues from automatic dishwashing detergents may negatively impact the maturation of the immune system.
The concern centers around ethoxylated alcohols – chemicals added to dishwashers to enhance cleaning and rinsing. These compounds, appearing on labels under names like alcohol ethoxylate, fatty alcohol ethoxylate, laureth, luryl ethoxylate, or ether alcohol, can leave invisible residues on dishes and utensils, particularly without thorough rinsing.
dr. Natalia Molini, a member of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Seicap), recommends rinsing dishes with ample water after the wash cycle, especially when using rinse aids, and avoiding products containing irritating or poorly studied ingredients.
Seicap is advocating for clearer labeling of products containing ethoxylated alcohols, suggesting a visible or bold marking to help consumers easily identify these ingredients. This would empower families to make informed choices to protect their children’s health.
Preventative Measures:
seicap recommends several steps to minimize exposure to these compounds, particularly during childhood:
* Avoid products containing ethoxylated ingredients.
* Choose formulas with few ingredients, preferably plant-based, and free of perfumes and synthetic colorants.
* Rinse dishes manually or utilize an extra rinse cycle on automatic dishwashers.
* Prioritize detergents with ecological certifications, though acknowledging that these don’t always guarantee complete absence of ethoxylated alcohols.
Rising allergy Rates in Spain:
Currently, an estimated 25% of children in Spain suffer from an allergic disease, with nearly half a million cases being food-related. While respiratory allergies appear to be stabilizing, food allergies, particularly to dried fruits, are on the rise.
dr. Torres notes that delayed introduction of allergenic foods like peanuts may contribute to the increase, contrasting the situation in countries like Israel where ground peanuts are commonly included in snacks with a lower incidence of allergies.
However, experts emphasize the importance of considering environmental factors alongside genetics and diet, recognizing their impact on immune system development and the diversity of the intestinal microbiota. Dr.Molini concludes, “Allergy prevention begins long before symptoms appear. Taking care of the environment, including cleaning products, is part of a extensive health strategy.”
