Photo by: Photo by Unsplash user Raquel Raclette.
Flame retardant chemicals found in many commercial products can damage brain development, hormones, and reproductive systems.
The Background: Chemical flame retardants aren’t necessary for fire safety, yet are used widely on common products in our homes and offices. The chemicals gradually migrate out of these products, mingle with the air and dust in indoor environments, and expose nearby humans to them continuously. They persist in the environment, and our bodies, for long periods of time, and have been associated with problems in neurodevelopment, hormone production, and reproductive systems.
Dangers for Pregnancy: Researchers from Harvard Chan School found that three types of flame retardants, called TDCIPP, TPHP, and mono-ITP, can have a major impact on pregnancies. The study followed 211 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), and found that 80% of them showed evidence of the chemicals in their urine. Women with the highest levels of exposure fared the worst, with a wide range of effects:
- 10% lower chance of a successful fertilization
- 31% lower chance of the embryo implanting in the uterus
- 41% fewer clinical pregnancies (where fetal heartbeat is confirmed by ultrasound)
- 38% fewer live births
Thyroid Concerns: A second study from Harvard Chan looked at blood samples from women involved in a national health and nutrition study. The researchers found that women exposed to polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), another common flame retardant, had a higher risk of thyroid disease. In post-menopausal women, the risk was significantly higher—almost double that of younger women.
The Upshot: Common flame retardant chemicals can have dramatic effects on health, especially for pregnant or post-menopausal women. Couples undergoing IVF, or otherwise trying to conceive, may want to limit exposure by buying products that are flame-retardant free.
Resources:
- Flame Retardants and Thyroid Problems in Women
- Flame Retardants and Health
- Choosing a Chemical Flame Retardant-Free Campus
- Common flame retardant chemicals may reduce likelihood of clinical pregnancy, live birth among women undergoing fertility treatments
- Chemical Flame Retardant-Free Toolkit and Buyers Guide
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