LEIPZIG, (GERMANY) – Expectant or new parents should wait until the baby is about a year old before laying new flooring in their home, a German scientific institute warned on Tuesday.
The Leipzig-based Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) found this in a recent study.
It said synthetic laminate boards, carpeting and “linoleum’’ all give off smells.
“It is not just that babies are sometimes laid directly on the floor: they are also at risk while in the cot.
“Volatile organic compounds such as styrene and ethylbenzene from new flooring spread through the air of a room can increase an infant’s risk of developing respiratory problems,’’ the institute noted.
The UFZ said, at particular risk, were children whose mother or father suffers from asthma, hay fever or other allergies.
The findings were based on a survey of 500 German mothers by questionnaire. (dpa/NAN)
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