Advice to Consumers, Especially Pregnant Consumers {The 5th Sense in the News}
Espoir I - Klimt - Centre Georges Pompidou
A study reveals that exposure to heightened levels of Phthalates during pregnancy contibutes to lowering IQ by 6 points on average in children gestated in this chemical environment...
Children exposed during pregnancy to elevated levels of two common chemicals found in the home -- di-n-butyl phthalate and di-isobutyl phthalate -- had an IQ score, on average, more than six points lower than children exposed at lower levels, according to researchers. The study is the first to report a link between prenatal exposure to phthalates and IQ in school-age children. While avoiding all phthalates in the United States is for now impossible, the researchers recommend that pregnant women take steps to limit exposure by not microwaving food in plastics, avoiding scented products as much as possible, including air fresheners, and dryer sheets, and not using recyclable plastics labeled as 3, 6, or 7.
The recommendation is to think of,
"not microwaving food in plastics, avoiding scented products as much as possible, including air fresheners, and dryer sheets, and not using recyclable plastics labeled as 3, 6, or 7."
While the study lays emphasis on the particular vulnerability of pregnant mothers and their children, these tips apply of course at other stages of life. It's important to choose good quality, safe products.
Please note also however that many natural essential oils and plant infusions are judged not safe to use during pregnancy.
Read more in Mother Jones - These Ubiquitous Chemicals May Be Making Us Stupid - and Science Daily - Prenatal exposure to common household chemicals linked with substantial drop in child IQ
