Nature & Environment
Flame Retardants May Increase The Risk Of Preterm Birth
Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Jan 28, 2015 11:51 PM EST
Could flame retardants be linked to preterm birth rates? Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that maternal exposure to high levels of flame-retardants could be a contributing factor in preterm births. Study results showed that women with higher levels of flame-retardant chemicals in their bodies were more likely to deliver sooner than counterparts with lower levels.
For the study, researchers collected and analyzed blood samples from pregnant women when they were admitted to the hospital for labor and delivery.
Though flame-retardant chemicals have been widely used for over 40 years in home construction, clothing, furniture and electronic appliances, the chemicals don't always properly bond with materials and can become an environmental pollutant over time.
"Nearly all women have some amount of exposure to flame-retardant chemicals," said lead study author Dr. Ramkumar Menon, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, via a news release. "Many people have no idea that these chemicals can be found on many common items, including household dust and clothes dryer lint."
Researchers noted that flame-retardant chemicals in peoples' bodies have been rising since companies started putting the compounds on their products. In fact, scientists have detected some of the chemicals in amniotic fluid, fetal tissue, umbilical cords and even breast milk.
"Since stopping the use or exposure of flame-retardants during pregnancy is not likely, our laboratory is currently studying the mechanisms by which flame retardants cause preterm birth," concluded Menon. "Understanding these mechanisms might help us to reduce the incidence of preterm birth caused by flame retardants."
More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Reproductive Immunology.
For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).
See Now:
NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone
©2024 ScienceWorldReport.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The window to the world of science news.
More on SCIENCEwr
First Posted: Jan 28, 2015 11:51 PM EST
Could flame retardants be linked to preterm birth rates? Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that maternal exposure to high levels of flame-retardants could be a contributing factor in preterm births. Study results showed that women with higher levels of flame-retardant chemicals in their bodies were more likely to deliver sooner than counterparts with lower levels.
For the study, researchers collected and analyzed blood samples from pregnant women when they were admitted to the hospital for labor and delivery.
Though flame-retardant chemicals have been widely used for over 40 years in home construction, clothing, furniture and electronic appliances, the chemicals don't always properly bond with materials and can become an environmental pollutant over time.
"Nearly all women have some amount of exposure to flame-retardant chemicals," said lead study author Dr. Ramkumar Menon, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, via a news release. "Many people have no idea that these chemicals can be found on many common items, including household dust and clothes dryer lint."
Researchers noted that flame-retardant chemicals in peoples' bodies have been rising since companies started putting the compounds on their products. In fact, scientists have detected some of the chemicals in amniotic fluid, fetal tissue, umbilical cords and even breast milk.
"Since stopping the use or exposure of flame-retardants during pregnancy is not likely, our laboratory is currently studying the mechanisms by which flame retardants cause preterm birth," concluded Menon. "Understanding these mechanisms might help us to reduce the incidence of preterm birth caused by flame retardants."
More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Reproductive Immunology.
For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone