Chalk and Dairy Allergies

There was an interesting study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology regarding the potential of a child with dairy allergies to have a reaction from inhaling dust from chalk that contains casein. In the study, the researchers concluded:
     “Inhalation of chalk dust containing casein can induce asthma symptoms in  milk allergic patients. Hidden and nondietary sources of exposure should always be considered in food allergic patients.”
Casein is often used in chalks as a binder for the constituent ingredients and these chalks can pose a risk for children in schools that still use the old fashioned chalkboard or use chalks for arts and crafts projects. Fortunately, the brands of chalks that most children use are safe and do not contain casein.

• Crayola: The company’s website states, “Products that are currently manufactured by Crayola (not including products manufactured under license) do not include any of the following ingredients that are associated with common allergies: peanuts, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, eggs, or milk.”
• Cra Z Art: The customer representative informed us that their chalk is composed of calcium carbonate and does not contain casein. 

However, the chalk that is supplied by the school and used by teachers is another story. This chalk most likely comes from various sources but the teacher should be able to provide the packaging for the company’s contact information.
There of course are many other sources of other allergens in school that can be problematic. Our family worries about paints due to egg allergies and we need to take precautions when the class is doing crafts with bird seed during winter holiday parties due to nut allergies. To get a comprehensive list of other school supplies that can be allergenic, visit the Kids with Food Allergies website here for their chart of Potential Food Allergens in Preschool and School Activities. 
-Navan Foods Newsletter, February 6, 2013