Hidden Dangers In The Classroom: Exposures To Hidden Food Allergens Extend Beyond The Cafeteria

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/prin...p?newsid=49917

Hidden Dangers In The Classroom: Exposures To Hidden Food Allergens Extend
Beyond The Cafeteria

Back-to-school often means last minute doctor's appointments, haircuts, and
new clothes. But it's also an anxious time for families who have children
with food allergies.

For parents of children with food allergies, risks extend beyond the
cafeteria into the classroom, even to the school buses and field trips. The
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a nonprofit, patient advocacy
organization, providing education and awareness on food allergy and
anaphylaxis, says the risk of accidental exposure in those environments away
from the cafeteria can be just as life-threatening.

"Often, parents and school staff think about avoiding allergens such as
peanuts, milk products, or other foods in the cafeteria. Parents of children
with food allergies should work with school staff to prepare a comprehensive
plan to protect the child in all school settings and control the exposure to
materials that could cause a reaction. Nothing should be taken for granted,"
said Anne Munoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN.

More than two million school-aged children have food allergies. For many,
even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause anaphylaxis, a severe
allergic reaction that can result in hives, swelling, unconsciousness, and
possibly death.

"Nearly 90 percent of school nurses indicated that when compared with other
health issues, food allergy among children is very serious. The issue needs
to be addressed by school officials as the average U.S. public school has 10
students with food allergies," continued Munoz-Furlong.

It is essential that school staff never let their guard down and always take
the proper precautions. FAAN explains that any prop or project with food
that contains any of the top eight allergens -- milk, eggs, peanuts, tree
nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, etc.), fish, shellfish,
wheat, and soy increases the risk for causing a reaction in a school setting
to a child with food allergies.

Exposures to hidden food allergens extend beyond the cafeteria to objects in
classrooms, field trips, and even materials used in art class. For example:

-- In the classroom, peanut butter is used to make bird feeders or used
peanut jars may be used to hold crayons.

-- During school field trips, tree nuts may be found in "fossil digs" in
museums.

-- In art classes, wheat can be found in papier mache, while egg may be used
to thicken tempera paint.

Munoz-Furlong suggests families meet with school staff to go over all
allergy needs, check materials and labels in art and science supply closets,
and establish a plan so that they have a means of communication throughout
the school year. She also suggests educators substitute food rewards with
stickers, certificates, or pencils.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
http://www.foodallergy.org/