DANGER OF 'COMFORTERS'

Shannon News, 2 December 1927, Page 3

DANGER OF 'COMFORTERS'

RISK OF INFECTION. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 22. Because, they expose the child to infection of all manner of complaints, "comforters'* should be abolished in New Zealand, as they have been in France, Dr. G. J. Blackmore, Medical Superintendent of Consumptive Sanatoria, said today. "It is a perfectly logical move, and should have been carried out years ago," said the doctor, speaking of the French decision. "The French Government did prohibit them some time ago, but the Senate did not agree to it.

"Comforters are very unhealthy; there is no telling what sort of things they pick up, and they are most unhygienic. I have told the nurses at the Cashmere Fresh Air Home that the children must never be allowed to have comforters.

"It is purely a matter of hygiene so far as we are concerned," continued Dr. Blackmore, "but I am not suro that the constant sucking of • these things has not a bad effect or otherwise. It is not natural; constant sucking creates a large amount of secretion. This is intended for the softening' of foods and is not intended to be constantly poured out and absorbed into the stomach. But the , great thing, of course, is just a matter of health from the infection point of view.' t In a house where here is consumption, the germs fall about the patient's bed and on to the floor. Now, if a child lets it's comforter fall on the floor and then puts it into its mouth, it is also putting germs there. That is the trouble. All sorts of germs must get on to these things, and they certainly should be abolished.

It was reported yesterday that the London "Daily Mail's" Paris correspondent reports that the Chamber of Deputies in 1917, following the rep k-e----scntations of Dr. Pinard, a children's specialist, forbade the sale of infant's rubber comforters as dangerous and unhealthy. The Senate, having contrary scientific advice, vetoed the Bill five times. Despite "the victory of the advocates of the comforter at an inquiry by the Senate's Hygenic Committee, the Senate now agrees to adhere to the verdict, of a joint committee of doctors and scientists.