What is a chemical allergy?
You may have heard of a pollen allergy, food allergies, and even pet allergies, but the chemical variety is not as widely known. A chemical allergy is basically a hypersensitivity reaction to a specific chemical. They are not as common as the other types of allergies but they are becoming more noted as technology advances.
Common chemicals responsible
The most talked about chemicals as far as allergies are concerned are formaldehyde and acrylic. Formaldehyde is used as a tissue preservative amongst other things, but many people are not exposed to the chemical. Acrylic on the other hand is everywhere and in many things that you use everyday. It is present in certain types of nail polish, dyes and detergents.
More people are becoming sensitive to these and other chemicals. Some people are even unfortunate enough to be allergic to more than one, and this is termed multiple chemical sensitivity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chemical allergies will vary depending on the chemical that you are exposed to. They can include sore eyes, throat and nose. You may also experience trouble breathing and itching. Some people get a contact dermatitis if the chemical touched their skin. This manifests as red itchy skin.
Management
There is no real treatment that will cure chemical allergies but there are a few steps you can take to help relieve symptoms. The first thing you should do is stay away from the place that contains the chemical you are allergic to. If the chemical is in your home then you should start to reduce the amount of chemicals in your home.
Reducing household chemicals
Reducing the amount of chemicals you have in your house will reduce your risk of allergies to them. They will also help you turn your home into an eco-friendly one. When it comes to flooring try to avoid hard flooring, as they often contain many chemicals that are toxic. If you are going to invest in a carpet make sure that it has been aired for several months. Try as far as possible to get chemical free carpets.
When it comes to furniture there are many types that are laden with chemicals, especially formaldehyde. Instead of opting for hardwood types of furniture you could always try cleaner alternatives like galls and steel.
If you are thinking of redecorating then you should try to avoid acrylic paint. Water-based paints contain fewer chemicals and will usually be fume free. Many people use wallpaper as an alternative to paint, but the problem with this is that the adhesive used to stick down the wallpaper contain many chemicals.
When it comes to cleaning you may have a range of different bottles filled with chemical solutions. Exposure to all of these is not a good idea especially if you already have a chemical allergy. A good alternative is to make detergents the natural way using things like vinegar and lemon juice. You can find various recipes in magazines or online. It will save you money and prevent allergic reactions.
