Your furniture and electronics may be bad for your health. Photo: Flickr, DennisSylvesterHurd
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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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
you've got to be kidding me. What's next? Staring at walls can cause cancer?
ReplyYou mean they can't blame Bush for this???
Replybush was a waste!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and anything the chinese make is harmful !! do you think they care about humans !
Replymistermarm, the things the chinese make aren't as dangerous as
Anti-Americans like you!
good point bush thankfully is history ! and you cant trust the chinese who dont care about humanity
ReplyOK THEN.... get off the couch and get to knockin' dem boots before that willy heads south!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyWomen want to get pregnant? I'd like to buy afew of those couches myself.
ReplyI wish I had read the article before I had bought a new couch set for my formal living room. Fortunately we don't use it but twice a year. Since the family room couch gets used (and abused) much more, it will be a likely candidate for a nontoxic replacement. I'm still doing research to see what is cheaper, to buy a couch made with organic fabric, wool batting and latex, or to purchase those items separately and have a local upholsterer custom-build it for me. Let's just say it's not cheap either way, but neither is paying through your nose for fertility or cancer treatments.
Reply