Is Your Furniture Keeping You From Getting Pregnant?

A New Study From the University of California at Berkeley Links Common Household Chemicals To Decreased Fertility

According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, harmful chemicals found in electronics, furniture, carpets, plastics and upholstery fabrics may be why you're having trouble getting pregnant. According to the study, 97% of us have detectable levels of PBDEs (or polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in our bloodstream. This fact is particularly troubling for women trying to conceive since those with high levels of the chemical may be 50% less likely to get pregnant.

Many of these chemicals, which act as flame-retardants for household products, have been banned since 2004, but that doesn't account for items you've bought before then. Many people keep furniture and electronics years after purchasing them, meaning some of your favorite home goods may be bad for your health.

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency agreed to phase out DecaBDE, a harmful chemical found in the plastic backings of our TV's since it can potentially degrade brain function and even cause cancer. As the production of these PBDEs has been halted, newer flame retardants are being introduced onto the market, something that has many researchers worried. A whole new generation of chemicals will need to be tested for toxicity and safety.

To learn more about the study, read this easy-to-digest article in the L.A. Times.


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