Peanut reactions a dangerous allergy

To the editor: This is a follow-up on the clarity of an article regarding NUTS in the Oct. 19 paper. Peanut/tree nuts kill over 200 people each year; 1/50 of a peanut is all it takes to cause a severe anaphylactic reaction. Peanut allergies are most severe. They are oil based and contaminate everything they come in contact with. It’s typically not outgrown like other food allergies. Most important it doesn’t have to be ingested - touching or smelling can trigger an anaphylactic, possible death reaction. Thus for Brendan Brennan was the case, just touch. His severe anaphylactic reaction was from a simple peanut butter bird feeder project. He had traces on his clothing and hands, which caused his eye to swell shut, lips to swell, hives, and congestion to start. All signs of anaphylactic shock. During anaphylaxis, time is of the essence. Paramedics can carry and administer Epi-pens, not EMTs. An Epi-pen is an auto-injector that contains epinephrine, a hormone used to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is the body’s natural defense against intruders such as allergens. Epi-pens give you 15-20 minutes before you must seek medical attention. Immediately after you suspect exposure you must inject. Most Americans die due to inadequate response time. I am working with Vernon schools, where more than 20 children suffer with these devastating peanut/nut allergies. I created a nut-free snack list and the school distributed the list to the parents of children who share in Brendan’s nut-free classroom and nut-free bathroom. Our children’s hands touch everything. To watch their every move is impossible, which is why nut-free schools are a necessity. Ultimately, it’s a child’s life and death. No one can put a price tag on a child’s life. All children should be able to participate in a safe, free, public education including art, library, gym, etc., but Brendan can’t, because those rooms aren’t nut-free. Some suggest wearing gloves and masks, which I consider unethical. Children have a hard enough time fitting in without making them stand out even more. As parents we know nothing is 100 percent, but it would be a lot safer than it is now if nuts were banned. We as a community need to take the necessary precautions to keep all the children safe at school. Schools should be as safe as our homes. Keeping the nut products in school is a statistic and a huge law suit waiting to happen. No one would want to volunteer to become that statistic, which is why the schools have to be nut-free to avoid the inevitable. Accidents can and do happen. I will continue working with the schools to explore other avenues in safeguarding not only schools but buses as well. The support of the community is crucial. We need you support to make a difference. If you wish to help make the difference, e-mail peanutfreefreak@excite.com. Amy Brennan Vernon