THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 18, 1996 TAG: 9607170021
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
I am glad to know that there has been some progress in fighting SIDS (news, June 25). I urge people to ask their American Lung Association for other risk factors.
The association would add: Make sure there is enough fresh air coming into the ventilation system from the outside. Vents to the outside may have been closed to conserve energy, leading to total recirculation of outside air. Fresh outdoor air is needed to dilute the carbon dioxide produced by the body's metabolism and exhaled from the lungs.
Filters should be replaced on a regular basis. The June 26 article on SIDS deaths mentioned smoke as a risk factor. Other toxic pollutants include cleaning sprays and air fresheners! Read the labels! The American Lung Association said the average household alone contains 45 aerosol products that are enough to bypass the lungs' defenses - especially in the newborn.
Open doors and windows if you must use any of the above, and ventilate especially when painting.
JUNE WHITE
Virginia Beach, June 30, 1996 by CNB