By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health 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
    An Expert’s Guide To Building and Improving Endurance
    June 30, 2022
    medical assistants
    What Do Medical Assistants Do On a Day to Day Basis?
    April 5, 2022
    superfoods to help with prostate health
    10 Healthy Foods That Can Help Protect Your Prostate
    August 29, 2022
    Latest News
    Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
    May 31, 2023
    4 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist
    May 24, 2023
    11 Ways To Modernize Your Private Practice
    May 17, 2023
    How to Recognize the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
    May 29, 2023
  • 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
    Hospital Mortality Rates
    Preventable Mortality Down in Hospitals by 17%
    December 16, 2014
    Are These Postpartum Trends in Health Care Here to Stay?
    February 5, 2021
    risk management
    Accountability for Risk Management and Cybersecurity in Healthcare Institutions
    January 28, 2015
    Latest News
    MRI Sedation Options: What You Should Know Before Screening
    May 17, 2023
    What is the Process of Creating Medicine from Nature?
    May 2, 2023
    Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Varicose Veins
    May 2, 2023
    What Are Wrong-Site Surgeries and How Do They Occur?
    April 27, 2023
  • 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
Sign In
Notification Show More
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
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: 2021/02/05 at 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

hospital sanitation

Sterilization Equipment Repair: DIY vs. Professional Service

How To Maintain Jaw Bone Health As You Age
The Major Benefits of Service Dogs for People with Disabilities
The Role of Genetics in Vision Disorders: A Deeper Look
Understanding the Health Benefits and Risks of Birth Control Pills

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 Retardants, infertility

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Jenn Ryan September 25, 2017
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter 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.
Previous Article Tips for Small Businesses to Reduce Healthcare Costs
Next Article How Secure Messaging Makes Patient Portals More Engaging?

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

medical bills
Who is Responsible for Paying the Medical Bills After an Injury?
News June 1, 2023
sports injury rehabilitation
Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
Health May 31, 2023
brush your day
How Many Times A Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Dental health May 29, 2023
Chiropractic Laser Therapy: A Beacon of Hope for Chronic Pain Sufferers
Chiropractic Laser Therapy: A Beacon of Hope for Chronic Pain Sufferers
Therapies May 29, 2023

You Might also Like

medical bills
News

Who is Responsible for Paying the Medical Bills After an Injury?

June 1, 2023
brush your day
Dental health

How Many Times A Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?

May 29, 2023
Dentures
Dental health

The Pros and Cons of Having Dentures

May 23, 2023
News

6 Hidden Health Benefits of Financial Stability

May 23, 2023
//

We influence million of users and is the most authentic source of information on healthcare business and technology news.

Quick Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US

© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?