What Flame Retardants Have to do With Your Prospects to Reproduce?
We all know by now that toxins in our home can affect our general health but did you know that flame retardants in the house can lower your chances to have kids? If you are a male then pay attention. And if you are a female who has a male than also pay attention… Recent studies show that flame retardants, found in 96% of all house dust, can seriously lower a male’s chances of being a fertile stud.
Surprisingly, flame retardants are found in furniture padding, draperies, electronics equipment and plastics. These flame retardants end up in dust and then inside of us.
Flame retardants using PBDE (polybrominated biphenyl ether) were phased out in 2004 because of their hormone altering or endocrine disturber effects. Instead of PBDE, the industry has gradually upped the use of the organophosphate based flame retardants, TDCPP (tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) and TPP (triphenyl phosphate). The problem is, they still may also have hormone altering effects.
A lot of our concern has been about levels of endocrine disturbers in pregnant women and resulting hormonal problems in infants and children. But what about getting pregnant in the first place? Is there something going on with the male contribution side of things? Why have male testosterone levels and semen quality seen a downward trend? Very likely that part of the reason is (more…)
Bring on the home decorations and holiday get togethers – let’s do it green and healthy. The holiday season is here in earnest!
