Baby Milk Powder could increase risk of breathing problems for Nannies/Childminders

[nannynick]

Spotted this article today on the BBC website. Research is being done on the risks of inhaling baby milk powder.

Dr Maritta Jaakkola, University of Birmingham says that "Nannies, and bakers, both groups who are exposed to milk powder during their working life, may also benefit from respiratory tests."

So far, it looks like the research has been done for workers in the factories that produce the baby milk powder.

While nannies/CMs do have regular contact with baby milk powder, more so than a parent would, I think the risk is very low... though it would be interesting if anyone does feel that they have developed asthma from preparing babies bottles.

What is your view?

Why would a nanny have more contact with the powder than a parent? Or do you just mean the parents who have nannies? I'm a parent (and an ex-nanny) so have been inhaling the stuff for years...

I'd better not let DH see this - as an asthmatic it's just the excuse he'd need to bow out of being any use!

presumably because a nanny might look after babies for 20yrs of their working life, whereas most parents only make up formula for a year or two while their own children are small.

Good point Mrs B