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I just came home from work.  I am a Special Ed Para in a nursery school setting.  The teacher, knowing I have Celiac, (yet apparently not understanding it thoroughly as I never expect anyone to do) had the sensory bin (sand box size) filled with flour.  The children "play" with their hands in it.  I walked in the room, was greeted by a little one with a hug, leaving white residue all over  me.  I asked..."Is this chalk?"  "No, flour...come play"  I looked toward the bin area and the air was filled with flour from the happy hands of three year olds.  The classroom had turned into a bakery and I am about to panic.  I have just spent 10 minutes in this room breathing and tasting grit on my lips...gluten contamination.

In four years, I have been contaminated three times by accident.  Most recent was a potato chip deemed GF but made in a factory not GF.  After 24 hours, I was sick for four days with diarrhea and pain in my gut.  The next 10 days, I had pain after every meal.  This has been the typical response.  What should I expect this time around??  I am dreading this.  The school nurse has intervened with respect to not just me, but for any/all children who have compromised respiratory systems as this will enhance their problems.  The classroom will be cleaned, carpets included.  I will not return to work for a day or two, longer if I get sick.

I should have better defined Celiac with those I work with because as the teacher said..."I never thought this could be a problem as long as you were not "eating" it.  Little do people realize what goes in the air must come down on something.  They do not understand how so little can harm so big.  Education is the key to awareness.  Do it often.  Speak about Celiac...people want to understand.

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