Return to Media page	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: FAAN Media Relations (703) 691-3179 media@foodallergy.org HIDDEN DANGERS AT SCHOOL: WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT THEM (Fairfax, Va., July 13, 2006) – For those families who have children with food allergies, back-to-school planning could mean a particularly stressful, anxiety-ridden time developing strategies and emergency plans to protect against a possible fatal reaction to food. Risks extend beyond the cafeteria menu into the classroom where food could be used in art paints or props used during math, science or art projects, or on the school bus and on field trips. According to The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), the nation’s leading nonprofit, patient advocacy organization providing education and awareness on food allergy and anaphylaxis, the majority of allergic reactions to foods occur from foods used during class projects or as incentives in the classroom. “Often, parents and school staff think about avoiding allergens such as peanuts, milk products, or other foods in the lunchroom. Recent studies have shown the majority of allergy reactions take place in the classroom,”said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN. Currently, more than two million school-aged children have food allergies, which cause an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits and an estimated 150-200 deaths annually for both children and adults. Any prop or project with food that contains any of the top eight allergens— milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy increases the risk of a reaction in the school setting. For example, peanuts may be used as a “glue” to hold foods together; or used peanut jars may hold crayons. Wheat can be found in papier maché, while egg is sometimes used to thicken tempera paint. Specific steps to be taken by families before sending a child with severe allergies back to school or child care: Meet with school staff before the school year starts to go over all over all allergy needs, from cafeteria and snacks, to potential hidden danger areas. Go through art and science supply closets to check materials and labels. Make sure teachers feel free to call you any time during the school year to check on new materials that might come in or potentially questionable projects Suggest substituting food rewards with stickers, pencils, or erasers. To request an interview with Anne Muñoz-Furlong, please contact FAAN by phone (703) 691-3179 or by email ### ABOUT FAAN Founded in 1991, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in food allergy information. FAAN, a nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, VA, is dedicated to increasing public awareness about food allergy and anaphylaxis, to providing education, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies. The organization has just under 30,000 members in the United States, Canada, and 62 other countries. FAAN provides information about food allergy and educational resources to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. Educational materials published by FAAN are reviewed for medical accuracy by the FAAN Medical Advisory Board, which is comprised of 14 of the country's leaders in food allergy science and medicine. In addition to printed materials, FAAN also sponsors awareness programs such as Food Allergy Awareness Week, Food Allergy Conferences, and the Mariel C. Furlong Awards for Making a Difference as well as fundraising walks across the country. Educational materials and information about special programs are also available online at www.foodallergy.org, www.fankids.org, and www.faanteen.org. Return to Media page       [Disclaimer]