Asthma risk with children’s blue cough syrup
Blue-coloured cough syrup is best avoided by children with asthma tendencies. Not one but two colours are used to give this over-the-counter medicine its ‘attractive’ blue hue.
In one leading brand, I found artificial colour 133 (or brilliant blue) and artificial colour 104 (quinoline yellow) which are both associated with a heightened risk of an asthma attack . The yellow synthetic dye is banned in the USA, Japan and Canada and must carry a warning label in Europe. No such requirement in Australia, I?m afraid.
Fortunately there are now colour-free versions of most children’s medicines but I can’t help but wonder why a blue version is even necessary. I asked a few pharmacists who commented that it was simply to make it more attractive for children to take. I can’t imagine giving a child who is already feeling unwell something that can cause allergic and hyper-sensitive reactions, asthma, hyperactivity and skin irritations.
If you found this article valuable, you can download the Asthma Maze App to your iPhone now.
Have easy-to-use information on thousands of potentially harmful ingredients at your fingertips.
Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.
Comments on 'Asthma risk with children’s blue cough syrup' (0)
Comments Feed
Comments are closed.