Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) : An evolving hypothesis

[Guest guest]

http://www.purdeyenvironment.com/SIDS.htm

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) : An evolving hypothesis

Nigel Purdey., January 2003. This page has not been peer reviewed.

It has been previously proposed by Barry ( BA.)

that toxic gas generated by fungi on fire retardant impregnated cot

mattresses/covers could be the cause of SIDS. This theory was

subsequently severely criticised by Warnock DW, et al Lancet 1995

and in the editorial.

Whilst some of the specific points of \'s theory may have

been incorrect (3)- ie incorrect identification of the fungus

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and of gases generated by the

microorganisms as stibine, arsine and phosphine, in broad terms the

theory that an inhaled toxin that originates in the bedroom/cot

environment has never been refuted. Indeed this seems to be the most

likely explanation given that such candidates often leave little in

the way of clues as to their presence and that inhaled toxins

naturally affect breathing and this is central in SIDS.

The only way to have tested the theory properly would have been to

visit rooms where SIDS had occurred and assess the total environment

and to carry out a wide range of post mortem and environmental

tests. It would also be necessary to take account of additional cot

factors- body heat, sweat, saliva, spilt drinks, urine etc.

It is feasible that if you take \'s 2 protagonists and

consider them individually and take account of genetic

predisposition, you may have an answer to most SIDS cases.

What are the possible candidates?

It\'s likely that a number of prime causes and contributory factors

lie behind SIDS and one should start by looking at a broad range of

potential causes.

1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are common in the home and are compounds of variable