Sure, we don’t want stuff catching fire, but are flame retardants, called PBDEs, really safe to be around?
And what are PBDEs anyway?
Defining PBDE is simple, but figuring out the impact is not so easy. A class of organobromine compounds, PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) have been commonly used since fire safety standards were implemented in the US decades ago.
PBDEs are contained in electronics, fabrics, foam furniture, carpets, plastics and other household items.
Research has indicated that household dust often contains PBDEs. The chemicals are known to leach into the environment, accumulating in human fat cells. It’s believed that around 97% of Americans have detectable levels of PBDEs in their blood.
Plus, Americans supposedly have 20 times the amount of PBDEs in blood than Europeans. Because of strict flammability laws, people in California are thought to have the highest levels of PBDEs in the country.
New research using PBDE levels in blood samples from 223 pregnant women has shown that high levels of PBDEs in blood may mean that it takes longer for women to become pregnant.
The study was published this week in Environmental Health Perspectives. The results revealed that a 10-fold increase in blood concentration of four PBDE chemicals was associated with a 30% decrease in the odds of conceiving each month.
In other words, women wishing to become pregnant may have a longer wait if they have higher levels of PBDEs in their blood. Researchers aren’t sure why the chemicals impact fertility. However, all women in the study were eventually able to become pregnant.
“Although several types of PBDEs are being phased out in the United States, our exposure to the flame retardants is likely to continue for many years,” said Brenda Eskenazi, principal investigator in the study and UC Berkeley professor of epidemiology.
While the new study raises awareness about PBDEs, it doesn’t really give us any answers to the problem. It’s time for chemists and medical researchers to communicate with each other a bit more.
(Image via stock.xchng)
Post from: Blisstree