Animal studies have already shown that exposure to these chemicals while pregnant can have effects on learning, memory and hyperactivity in offspring. For this current study, Webster recruited 152 women from the Vancouver area who were fewer than 15 weeks pregnant. The women donated blood samples (which provide information on chemical exposure and thyroid hormone levels). She and her colleagues also collected a sample of umbilical cord blood after each baby was born to check the infant's thyroid levels. "We're trying to see if the mom's chemical levels have any relationship to her thyroid levels or her baby's thyroid levels," says Webster.
Investigators also collected samples of dust, dryer lint and water from subjects' homes, tested their indoor air (using a non-flame retardant foam that soaks up airborne chemicals), and gathered information on the number of couches, televisions and other relevant items in each home.
Early results indicate that the levels of flame retardants found in the dryer lint were very high, says Webster. "Clothing might be acting like a sampler of dust in the home. When you wash clothes, most of the particulate ends up in the lint." Other results continue to be analyzed.
In the meantime, Webster, who gave birth to a healthy baby boy in late November, says that in addition to avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, unhealthy foods and excess stress, pregnant women can do a number of small things to minimize their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Houshold tips if you're pregnant:
• Avoid fast foods wrapped in greaserepellent packaging and refrain from eating microwave popcorn.
• Wash your hands before eating. Dust accumulates on your hands when you touch your TV, computer, furniture, etc. Make sure your kids wash their hands, too. Children often play or crawl on the floor and constantly put their hands in their mouths, so they have a higher exposure to dust compared to adults.
• PBDE levels can be high indoors (and inside cars when they sit in the sun), so open your windows and get lots of fresh air.
• Purchase computers and TVs that are PBDE-free. More info can be found on the Environmental Working Group website.
• Inspect your furniture and car seats for rips and tears. Replace or repair items with exposed crumbling foam.
• Ditch the carpets. The foam underlay of carpets contains flame retardants and many also contain stain-repellent chemicals. Carpets also accumulate dust. When renovating, consider replacing carpets with hardwood or other flooring, or at least with carpeting that doesn't contain flame retardant underlay. Wool is a naturally flame-resistant option.
• When buying furniture, ask if the foam contains PBDE flame retardants, and if the furniture has been sprayed with a stain repellent. Look for stores that avoid using these chemicals in their products. Foam products purchased after 2005 may not contain PBDEs.
Webster hopes to have the study results published by the end of 2009.
– Pauline Anderson
Read more:
• 4 ways going green can help your health
• 6 ways to foster a love of nature in your kids
• 10 ways to freshen up the air, naturally
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