Scientists have stepped up their research about chemicals and environmental hazards that can impact a woman trying to conceive. The list is longer than any of us would like to see. Well, It is time to make room for one more fertility robber. Now, we can add polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to the list of potential threats.
PBDEs are chemicals used to make many of our everyday household items flame retardant. These items include electronics, fabrics, carpets, plastics, and foam furniture. Vehicle seats, car seats, and office furniture also contain PBDEs. The journal Environmental Health Perspectives did a recent study of 223 pregnant women. The women that had the highest concentration of PBDEs in their blood took much longer to become pregnant.
You may be wondering what the heck women having trouble conceiving are supposed to do then. Most people have all the household items I just mentioned. This is an understandable concern. Because of the studies and findings on PBDEs most manufacturers are eliminating them. Keep in mind that items produced before 2004 show higher concentrations of these chemicals. If you are trying to get pregnant get rid of these items. They may be slowing down conception.
Inspect foam items and throw them out if the covers are not intact. Use a HEPA filtered vacuum to trap tiny particles, contaminants, and allergens from your house. Remove the carpet padding when getting rid of your carpet. Keep the padding isolated and pick up scraps with the HEPA vacuum. Purchase natural or latex foam, leather, wool and cotton products. Ask before purchasing used items. Avoid anything treated with brominated fire retardants. Eliminating these items may increase fertility.
However, getting rid of your old furniture may not be enough. An early study on PBDEs determined that certain foods have these chemicals also. Some dairy products, fatty meats, and fish contain PBDEs. Fatty tissues easily absorb the chemicals.
According to the University Of Texas School Of Public Health in Dallas fish contains the highest amount of these chemicals. The next highest are meats and dairy comes in last. Non-fat dairy has no detectable PBDE levels. 97 percent of Americans have detectable levels of PBDEs in their blood. If getting pregnant is important to you the numbers are not on your side.
Unfortunately, the best women can do is slow down PBDEs through conscious diet and living space choices. There is some incredible information to keep women aware of environmental hazards like this one and pregnancy. The Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment (PRHE) at the University of California, San Francisco has plenty of documentation to read.
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