By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    UV damage to eyes
    Warning Signs of Long-Term UV Damage to Your Eyes
    December 9, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    The Ultimate Healthcare Recruiting and Staffing Guidebook
    March 21, 2022
    medicare part d benefits
    Everything that You Need to Know About Medicare Part D
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Conservatives: The Utah Health Exchange is Not a Model
    July 23, 2011
    Medical Malpractice Reform Losing Physician Support
    November 7, 2011
    Hospitals Aim to Apply Direct Payments of Care Delivery to Increase Resources
    August 28, 2012
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: New Study Links Infertility to Flame Retardants in Furniture and Carpet
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > News > New Study Links Infertility to Flame Retardants in Furniture and Carpet
NewsSpecialtiesWellness

New Study Links Infertility to Flame Retardants in Furniture and Carpet

Jenn Ryan
Last updated: February 5, 2021 8:34 am
Jenn Ryan
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

A new study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the more toxic chemicals a woman is exposed to, the lower chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy she will have. These chemicals were specifically those found in flame retardants. Levels of these chemicals found in urine samples of women who were undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to become pregnant showed some surprising results. Higher traces of flame retardants meant a lower chance of egg fertilization, a healthy pregnancy, and live birth. Compared to women who had lower levels of these compounds in their body, this research suggests mothers should be a little more conscious of what?s in their home. This is the first such human study to find this link although a number of chemicals used in carpets, couches, mattresses, and more have long been suspected to cause harm to reproductive health.

Contents
Results from the StudyAdditional Research about Flame RetardantsOther Chemicals That Can Influence Embryo HealthWhat You Can Do

Results from the Study

Harvard?s study measured amounts of organophosphate flame retardants, otherwise abbreviated as PFRs, in the urine of women who were trying to conceive using IVF. Five different PFR chemicals were tested for and measured in the women. The research found that the chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy were diminished for those who had elevated levels of the chemicals in their urine, meaning that women would have less of a chance to get pregnant at every stage from fertilization to live birth. Infertility has also been linked to other chemicals such as those used in pesticides in addition to other products. These chemicals are used in furniture and can easily become airborne. Through disrupting the endocrine system?the system in the body that regulates hormones?toxic chemicals can impact fertility in both men and women.

Additional Research about Flame Retardants

There is other research that suggests these chemicals harm reproductive health and embryo development although human trials are certainly lacking. Unfortunately, these chemicals are just about everywhere. They can get into the air, they pollute the earth during the manufacturing process, and they?re even in your electronics. Brominated flame retardants have been found to increase the risk of spontaneous abortion?otherwise known as a miscarriage?in women who have been exposed to the chemicals. This research calls for additional studies on the subject. These flame retardants also have the potential to be carcinogenic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that brominated flame retardants (BFR) are possibly carcinogenic. Fortunately, these chemicals haven?t been manufactured in the United States since 2004, but people are still exposed through former items made with these compounds. Children are at huge risk for other, legal flame retardants that are used because they are in contact with chemicals around the clock. Although some flame retardants continue to be used, most of them have been shown to not be safe and to have negative effects on children both in utero and post birth.

Other Chemicals That Can Influence Embryo Health

Flame retardants aren?t the only chemicals that have negative effects on a growing baby. Toxins are all around us?from new car interiors to the fragrance in your candles, all of these chemicals can impact embryo health. Perfume, air sprays, and even nail salons can expose people to these harmful chemicals. You don?t necessarily need to have a can of paint or bleach, to be exposed. Your favorite perfume could be enough, as the term ?fragrance? actually consists of thousands of toxic chemicals. There are many things that can influence infertility and flame retardants are just one chemical exposure that negatively affects a woman’s chances of conceiving. It can take years for older flame retardants to leave the body!

More Read

The Signs And Symptoms Of Internal Hemorrhoids
Health Care Data Thieves Mainly Looking to Make Money
NFL Money Backs Gathering In Pittsburgh Some Concussion Experts Calling A PR Stunt
How to Use Training to Support Workplace Mental Health
Telehealth Chair Lets You Take Your Vitals While You Relax

What You Can Do

Limiting your exposure to flame retardants, especially if you?re pregnant or trying to conceive, is crucial. When it comes to furniture, choose leather, wool, or cotton rather than polyurethane-stuffed couches or synthetic fibers. Invest in an organic mattress that doesn?t use flame retardants or mattress pads that don?t use flame retardants for your infant. For flooring, hardwood is best or natural carpet without chemicals (such as Earthweave) can help create a healthier home. Yes, these are big purchases and they are more expensive, but they may be worth it. Washing hands before eating can also help cut down on your exposure from ingestion! Healthcare screenings can help prevent chronic disease, but you can help yourself by choosing not to invest in or purchase these things. Are you aware of the use of flame retardants in your household items? Consider just how many of your items are toxic. You can invest in a healthier home by choosing natural fibers and fillings rather than synthetic ones. When it comes to fertility, minimizing toxins in your home could just help create a healthier reproductive system according to this preliminary research.

TAGGED:Flame Retardantsinfertility
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Jenn Ryan
Follow:
Jenn Ryan is a freelance writer who's passionate about natural health. She loves running, reading, and playing with her four rescued bunnies. You can find out more about Jenn and her work at www.thegreenwritingdesk.com.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

eHealthHealth ReformPolicy & LawWellness

Did HIMSS deliver on its Charter? Transforming Health through IT

March 21, 2016
TechnologyWellness

How Does Technology Help Keep Your Allergies at Bay in 2017?

October 6, 2017
Dental healthSpecialties

Dental Health and Overall Well-being: Connecting the Dots

May 12, 2024
Image
eHealthNewsSpecialties

Hello from Boomer Voice Suzie Mitchell: Boomers and Digital Devices

June 19, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?