Latest news with #allergens
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Climate
- Bloomberg
A 2,000 Mile Saharan Dust Cloud Is Approaching Texas and Florida
A swirling gray haze forced Claribel Ramirez to shut her house to block out the fine grit that settled on every flat surface in Puerto Rico. The culprit? A 2,000-mile dust plume blown off Africa's Saharan Desert and sent across the Atlantic where it will reach Florida and possibly even Texas later this week. There, it will turn the sky a dull gray during the day and possibly provide some dazzling sunsets. And if the winds mix it down to the surface, the grit will make people sneeze, wheeze and plead for relief from the allergens and grime.
RNZ News
25-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Why doing an 'autumn clean' could keep you and your home healthier this winter
Photo: 123RF As the colder months approach, experts say that doing an 'autumn clean' could keep your household healthier this winter. "Most people think 'spring clean', but actually if you think about it, an autumn clean makes more sense," scientist Dr Michelle Dickinson said. "You're about to spend maybe up to four or five months hunkered down with all your windows closed because of winter in your home. So why not make sure that hunkering down space is nice and clean and dust-free and allergen-free?" Dickinson said pollen, mold spores and dust mites were among the allergens that could lurk in the home. "So, if you want your home to be healthy over the winter, actually getting a good clean in the autumn is a great idea." Allergy New Zealand chief executive Mark Dixon said New Zealand was the "world capital" for dust mites. He said dust mites loved humidity and lived in soft furnishings such as mattresses, pillows, carpets and curtains. He said they were often found in particularly high concentrations in bedrooms. Dixon said during winter, the combination of closed windows, indoor heating and moisture from cooking and showers created a perfect breeding ground. "If you can keep your home under 50 percent humidity, you're probably winning the war against dust mites". Ventilation was also important. Dixon said opening a window for 15 minutes during the colder months would help clear the air inside the home. Dickinson said being closed up over winter could also increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the home and make its inhabitants feel drowsy and lethargic. "If you're feeling quite sleepy in your home, just crack your window open a tiny little bit, let some ventilation in. It won't freeze your house, but it will probably help you clear your head and make you feel a bit better." []Not just what you clean, but how you clean it Dickinson said many household cleaners released "volatile organic compounds" which could cause headaches and eye, nose or throat irritation. She recommended using cleaners with natural ingredients instead, and ingredients such as citric acid worked just as well as bleach. Michelle Dickinson. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Ecostore research and development director Huia Iti said natural cleaners were not just healthier for the home, but when washed down the drain kinder to the environment. He said when purchasing a cleaner, consumers should look for products that were independently certified by credible organisations. "Unfortunately, there is a lot of greenwashing out there," he said. Some credible endorsements Iti recommended looking out for included B Corp, Eco Choice Aotearoa and Sensitive Choice. To get the best out of a clean, Dickinson advised cleaning top to bottom, so any stray dirt would fall away from the clean area and be picked up later. Cleaners, she said, also needed to be left on a surface for 10 minutes to be fully effective. "When you spray a cleaner onto a surface, the surfactants are the first to kick in. These clever molecules surround grease and oil, lifting them off your benchtop and pulling them into tiny spheres that can be wiped away easily. The disinfectants then need time to kill germs by breaking down the proteins and cell membranes that keep bacteria and viruses alive. After 10 minutes, everything is in a form that easily wipes away. "Also remember to do your high touch points, so your light switches, your door handles, and especially those areas that lots of grubby hands are going to be touching." To reduce dust mites, along with keeping the home well-ventilated, Dixon also recommended using HEPA-filter vacuums, mattress and pillow dust mite covers, and if needed swapping out heavy curtains for washable blinds. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
RECALL: Undeclared allergens in Pronto Prêt À Manger meals
Some meals sold by Pronto Prêt À Manger are being recalled for undeclared allergens. (MAPAQ)
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Brits say weaning is the hardest part of parenting as mums and dads share their top 10 worries
WEANING is the hardest part of parenting, according to research. A POLL of 1,000 parents with kids aged six months to four years, found more than half (53 per cent) named this the biggest challenge with half only having a 'vague idea' of when they should start the process 3 3 And two thirds were worried their child would be allergic to something. But 36 per cent managed this by introducing one allergen at a time, and more than a quarter (26 per cent) were sure to follow official guidelines. Furthermore, 36 per cent were afraid their child would choke, with other concerns including ensuring they had a balanced diet and got all the nutrients they needed. With all this in mind, the most effective weaning foods are yogurt, smashed banana and mashed sweet potato – after 77 per cent felt confident they knew what to introduce first. And, 44 per cent of babies enjoyed their first experience of solid food, after a few tries. Family food author Rebecca Wilson is working with Yeo Valley Organic, which commissioned the study and put together a guide of the top tips for weaning. She said: 'Weaning can be a tough process but it's lovely to see parents felt confident and had a plan in place. 'It's encouraging to see so many are aware of nutrients their children need and yogurt banana and sweet potato are perfect for the introduction of weaning. 'The importance of limiting babies' intake of free-from sugar is very important to not only maintain strong dental health, but also ensure children do not get used to highly sweet flavours, thus enabling enjoyment of a varied nutritious diet including non-sugary flavours like bitter greens and acidic vegetables. 'By mixing real fruit with no added sugar into a bulk ingredient like yogurt, rather than solely offering puréed fruits on their own which contain a very high amount of free-from sugar, you're able to expose babies to a varied flavourful diet without exposing them to an unhealthy high sugar level.' The research went on to find other worries weaners had included concerns that they would reject the food (31 per cent) and managing mess and food waste (21 per cent). With 17 per cent spending more than five hours a week cleaning up after messy mealtimes. While 23 per cent wanted to avoid too much salt or sugar and the same amount were anxious about getting portion sizes right. As a result, a quarter found the whole period of their lives more stressful than they expected it to be. But looking back, 47 per cent wish they'd known that weaning is different for every baby, and that it's normal for babies to reject foods at first (39 per cent) – and it doesn't mean they won't learn to enjoy them. And 75 per cent did feel supported during the process by the people around them, according to the OnePoll stats. Yeo Valley Organic's nutritionist, Alice Mayor, added: "It's easy to feel discouraged if your baby isn't taking to solids straight away, but persistence and patience are key. 'As the research shows, yogurt is a great option to introduce more solids and textures into a diet as well as mashing up banana and blending veggies. 'Some babies dive right in, while others need more time to explore. 'Mealtimes should be a fun and relaxed experience, not a battle and there may be mess, but this is often a sign your child is enjoying themselves. 'Trust that your baby will get there at their own pace and try to enjoy the messy and funny moments along the way.'
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Thousands of crisp packets are urgently recalled in UK over swelling hives & ‘severe' reaction fears
THOUSANDS of packets of crisps have been recalled across England with customers warned to return them for a full refund. The item was recalled amid fears over consumer health. The Food Standards Agency issued a recall for the Ottolenghi Vadouvan Pita Chips. The product contains allergens which are not mentioned on the label. Customers at risk are those with celery or mustard allergies, both of which were undisclosed on the packaging. Ottolenghi has recalled the product, as well as reaching out to relevant allergy support organisations to ensure those affected are aware. The product details are as follows: Pack size: 150g Batch code: 290525, 300525 Best before: 28 May 2025, 29 May 2025, 30 May 2025 The notice issued to customers reads: "We are recalling Vadouvan Pita Chips due to the product containing undeclared mustard and celery. "If you have bought Vadouvan Pita Chips as detailed above, and you have an allergy / intolerance / sensitivity to mustard and celery do not eat them." They have advised customers to return the product to the store for a full refund, with or without a receipt. I tried Harry Kane's knobbly sticks after England star did a Gary Lineker by releasing snack brand - here's my verdict Celery allergies are estimated to affect 2.8-11.1% of the European population, particularly in countries where raw celery is commonly consumed. Ottolenghi was founded by the Israeli-born British chef, restaurant-owner and food writer Yotam Assaf Ottolenghi. It began as a small shop in Notting Hill in 2002 and has grown a cult following with its fusion food inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions. The so-called 'Ottolenghi effect' refers to a meal which is "full of colour, flavour, bounty and joy." The pita chips are not currently listed on their website but their Za'atar Pita Chips are available for £6.30. They also sell jars of Vadouvan spice for £5. The website describes it as "a French take on an Indian spice blend. "It's sweet, smoky, and aromatic, making it perfect for fragrant curries, rich soups, and creamy sauces." Customers looking for more information can contact Ottolenghi on 02074852060, or at contact@ The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis & what to do SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later. Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening. In some cases, anaphylaxis symptoms lead to collapse and unconsciousness and, on rare occasions, can be fatal so it's important to know how to recognise them and act quickly. Mild to moderate symptoms include: Itchy mouth, tongue and throat Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria) Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea Runny nose and sneezing Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include: Swelling of your throat and tongue Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing Feeling tired or confused Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting Skin that feels cold to the touch Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue - if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. Follow these steps if you think you or someone you're with is having an anaphylactic reaction: Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one - instructions are included on the side of the injector Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction Lie down - you can raise your legs, and if you're struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you're pregnant, lie on your left side). If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin. If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector. Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better. Sources: Allergy UK, NHS 2
