Flame retardants linked to low birth weight

Exposure to flame retardant chemicals commonly found in homes is being linked to low birth weight in newborn babies. That's according to a new study which found every 10-fold increase of the chemical in a pregnant woman's blood corresponded to a 4.1 ounce drop in her baby's birth weight. The flame retardant chemical polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PBDE, was phased out of use in 2004 but persists in older furniture, carpet padding and other household items that last a long time and are known to leach out into the environment. Earlier studies have linked exposure to flame retardants to altered thyroid hormone function and reduced fertility.

The new study led by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley is the first large population-based study to link PBDEs with birth outcomes of babies. Researchers point out that while the study found a decrease in overall birth weight, very few babies were born weighing less than 5.5 pounds, which is the clinical definition of low birth weight. Authors of the study say a 4 ounce weight decrease could still make a difference for babies already at risk of being low birth weight, including low-income populations with poor access to prenatal care.

Researchers say it's difficult to pinpoint why flame retardants would prompt lower birth weights but say anything that affects thyroid hormone levels could compromise maternal weight gain. Authors of the study say PBDEs are believed to be ingested orally rather than inhaled or absorbed. They say hand washing, vacuuming and wet mopping can reduce chemical exposure. The study is published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Flame retardants aren't the only chemicals we are exposed to indoors. Everyday we bring dangerous chemicals right into our homes. It could be from our shoes, a new piece of furniture we buy, or even the type of shower curtain we pick out. Here is my list of Top 5 Ways Chemicals Sneak Into Your Home and the solutions you need to make a healthier home for you and your family.

1) Chemical Cleaners
One of the most common ways potentially toxic chemicals get into your home is when you use chemical-based cleaners. The scary thing is that their ingredients are not even required to be on the label. And, some of the chemicals they contain can pollute the air inside our homes and possibly cause all sorts of health problems – everything from asthma to allergies to reproductive issues.

What’s the Healthier Alternative?
Opt for non-toxic cleaners which you can either make or buy. Baking soda is a powerful all purpose cleaner. White vinegar is an all natural disinfectant and works wonders on most surfaces. Borax is also an effective mold killer. If you’d rather purchase a safer cleaner, look for those that are plant-based and fragrance free.

2) Furniture & Flooring
When we pick out a new piece of furniture or new carpet and flooring, we usually aren’t thinking of the gasses they may emit after they’re in our home. Some of those popular and affordable pieces made from medium density fiberboard - or MDF - actually contain a formaldehyde-based resin. And many popular choices of flooring emit formaldehyde or are secured to the floor with adhesives that do. At elevated levels, formaldehyde can irritate eyes and cause breathing problems.

What’s the Healthier Alternative?
When shopping, seek out furniture and flooring products labeled formaldehyde-free. Buying used, high quality wood furniture pieces are also a good bet because any dangerous chemicals have already been off-gassed.

3) Shoes & Paws
When you think about all the things you trek into your home with your shoes it can be downright disgusting! The same can be said for what’s on your pet’s paws. It’s not only dirt but also toxic debris such as lawn chemicals, automotive fluids, and pesticides. If you have young children in the home, they can easily be exposed to these toxins on the floor.

What’s the Healthier Alternative?
The easiest solution is to simply leave your shoes at the door. Also, having a large mat to wipe your feet and your pet’s paws is a smart idea. Have slippers or socks handy for use only inside your home. Also, consider wiping your pet’s paws with a reusable cloth when they come inside, especially after lawn treatments.

4) Problematic Plastics
There’s one type of plastic that actually releases harmful chemicals that accumulate in our bodies. It’s polyvinyl chloride – or PVC – and is used to make vinyl shower curtains, children’s toys, and food containers. These plastics are made soft and flexible with the use of plasticizers. Phthalates are a common plasticizer. Phthalates are easily released from plastics especially when heated. Phthalates are suspected of contributing to reproductive defects, premature births and impaired neurological development.

What’s the Healthier Alternative?
Start by avoiding plastics labeled with a #3 on the bottom. This identifies it as PVC. Also, seek out vinyl products that are labeled PVC-free. The U.S. now bans many dangerous phthalates in products for children under 12 but the ban took effect in 2009 and only for newly manufactured toys. This means there are still many children’s products that contain dangerous phthalates on store shelves. Look for newer items labeled PVC-free when shopping for younger children.

5) Dry Cleaning
If you bring home clothing from a traditional dry cleaner, you’re bringing in dangerous chemicals that can cause anything from headaches and breathing problems to more severe problems like liver and kidney damage. That’s because 80% of American dry cleaners use perchloroethylene (perc) as the cleaning agent. Perc is a manmade compound that pollutes our air, land and water.

What’s the Healthier Alternative?
If you visit the dry cleaner often, seek out ones which are perc-free. However, if there isn’t a green dry cleaner near you, make sure you unwrap you’re clothes once you’re home and let them air out before hanging them up in your closet.

Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, syndicated columnist and author, and founder of DoYourPart, everyday green living ideas that are better for you and the planet. Send questions toterri@doyourpart.com and follow DoYourPart on Facebook and Twitter. Terri's new book "Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living" is now available at DoYourPart.com