Wood is a natural resource that is commonly used in many products for children. From toys to furniture, wood has been a popular choice for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and affordability.

However, not many people realize that wood can have negative effects on children as well. In this article, we will explore the dark side of wood and its impact on children.

What is wood?

Wood is a natural, fibrous substance obtained from trees and is used in many products for children such as toys, furniture, and flooring. There are different types of woods such as softwood, hardwood, and engineered wood.

Softwood comes from coniferous trees such as pine and fir while hardwood comes from deciduous trees such as oak and mahogany.

Why is wood used in products for children?

Wood is a popular choice for products for children due to its many benefits. It is durable, long-lasting, eco-friendly, renewable, and has aesthetic appeal. Wood products are also affordable, making it an ideal material for mass production.

The negative impact of wood on children’s health

While wood has many benefits, it also has negative effects on children’s health, especially if it is not properly treated or maintained. Here are some of the negative impacts of wood on children:.

Wood can cause allergic reactions

Some children are allergic to wood, and exposure to it can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, sneezing, and coughing.

The cause of the allergy is usually the sap or resin present in the wood, which releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger allergies and asthma.

Wood can contain harmful chemicals

Wood products for children are often treated with chemicals to improve durability and resistance to pests and rot. However, some of these chemicals can be harmful to children’s health.

For example, formaldehyde is commonly used in engineered wood products and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also cause headaches and skin irritation.

Wood can harbor bacteria and mold

Wood products can harbor bacteria and mold if they are not properly maintained. This can lead to respiratory problems and allergies in children.

Mold can also release mycotoxins that can have serious health consequences such as neurological disorders, immune system suppression, and cancer.

Wood can be a fire hazard

Wood is flammable and can be a fire hazard if it is not properly treated or maintained. Children can accidentally start a fire by playing with matches or using flammable materials near wood products.

Parents should ensure that wood products are fire-resistant and follow fire safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

Wood can splinter and cause injuries

Wood can splinter and cause injuries if it is not properly maintained. Children can get splinters while playing with wood toys or climbing on wooden furniture. Splinters can cause infections and other complications if not treated properly.

How can parents protect their children from the negative effects of wood?

Parents can take steps to protect their children from the negative effects of wood by:.

Ensuring that wood products are properly treated and maintained
Choosing wood products that are certified safe and free from harmful chemicals
Inspecting wood products regularly for signs of wear and tear, splinters, and mold
Keeping wood products away from flammable materials and ensuring that they are fire-resistant
Teaching children how to use wood products safely and properly

Conclusion

Wood is a popular material for products for children, but it also has negative effects on their health if it is not properly treated or maintained. Parents should be aware of these negative effects and take steps to protect their children from them.