Pregnancy is an exciting time for every mother. You are getting ready for a new family member to enter your life, and every single decision feels extremely important.
As you are nesting, planning, and dreaming, you also plan, research, and make lists of everything that needs to be taken care of.
One such thing you must take care of is environmental toxins. It doesn’t really cross our minds, but it is imperative in this day and age that we make time to understand the topic better.
Without wasting any time, let’s dive into what they are, how they can affect you and your baby, and what you can do to keep your growing family safe.
Importance of Understanding Environmental Toxins During Pregnancy
Environmental toxins are everywhere, quite literally. Some are almost everlasting, rightly named “forever chemicals”. According to TruLaw, “forever chemicals” have been linked to immune disorders, cancer, and developmental issues in children.
These chemicals are in the air around us, the water in our houses, and most of the products we use daily. While small exposures may not seem like a big deal, the equation changes when pregnancy comes into the picture.
A baby’s developing body is vulnerable, and these toxins can interfere with crucial stages of growth. One such example can be seen in a report by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the report, prenatal exposure to toxins like lead and mercury can harm brain development, and cause issues in overall health and learning.
The point is that it is absolutely worth investing time and energy in learning about your environment and the toxins that can potentially harm your family.
Environmental Toxins to Look Out For
Some of the most common toxins you may find around you are heavy metals, pesticides, PFAs, and some other household chemicals. Let’s learn about them.
Heavy Metals
Two heavy metals, lead and mercury are often seen in headlines, and for good reason. They can sneak into our lives without us realizing it and cause harm that may be irreversible. For example, lead can show up in older homes with lead-based paint or in some water supplies due to lead corrosion.
The Flint water crisis showed us how dangerous lead exposure can be. The city of Flint was being supplied the Lake Huron water from Detroit. In 2014, they changed their water supply source to the Flint River and it all went spiraling down. This move led to the corrosion of the water distribution pipes and the leaching of lead into the drinking water.
The city saw children suffer from impaired cognition, delayed puberty, and behavioral problems. Adults faced anxiety, depression, and increased fetal deaths in pregnant people amongst other health issues. Amidst everything else, the city faced outbreaks of Legionnaires disease. This one move resulted in a state of emergency in 2016.
Mercury, on the other hand, can sneak into your food through fish like shellfish, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. The FDA recommends opting for fish like salmon or shrimp, which are known to contain lower amounts of the substance.
Pesticides
Have you ever wondered whether the fruits and vegetables you wash actually get cleaned? Sometimes the answer is an unfortunate “no”. That’s because pesticides used in farming can remain on fruits, vegetables, and even grains.
Research has shown that pesticide exposure during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in kids. Your best option is to bring home the organic alternatives of these items and try to reduce your exposure.
Household Chemicals
Remember the zesty smell that lingers around after wiping down your furniture? That smell may feel refreshing, but that fragrance is more often than not due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that can easily evaporate and further contribute to indoor air pollution.
Some cleaning products may contain VOCs and affect air quality inside your house. The most prominent effect of these contaminants is irritation caused to your lungs. It is best to go for non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaners during pregnancy.
PFAS or Forever Chemicals
Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFAs) are almost everywhere. These are chemicals used in everything from clothing to packaging, cookware to firefighting foam, and carpets to paints.
They have been named “forever chemicals” because of their ever-lasting nature. They do not break down easily and linger in water, soil, and even our bodies.
Cases like the ongoing AFFF foam lawsuit highlight just how widespread these chemicals are. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a PFA containing firefighting foam used to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids. Municipal and airport firefighters, industrial workers, and others who were exposed to AFFF experienced devastating health impacts over time.
These individuals suffered from serious illnesses including cancer. This lawsuit is looking to hold the PFA manufacturers accountable for failing to protect those who depended on their products. Anyone who was exposed to AFFF and later developed health complications is eligible to join this cause.
Effects of Environmental Toxins on Your Baby
During pregnancy, the placenta works very hard to filter out harmful substances. However, it isn’t a perfect system. Some toxins may find a way to cross the placenta and reach your baby. These toxins may affect their brain, nervous system, and other critical organs and leave a lasting impact on their development.
For example, BPA is a harmful chemical commonly found in plastics. It has been linked to hormone disruption and may negatively affect your baby’s endocrine system. Similarly, phthalates have been linked with developmental delays in children. Phthalates are often found in personal care products like nail polishes, hair sprays, shampoos, etc.
All of this may sound overwhelming, but remember that knowledge is power. Learning about these toxins helps you make better decisions.
Some Practical Ways to Reduce Exposure
To begin with, you can try these small, everyday changes that can make a big impact.
- Use filtered water: A good water filter can help remove contaminants like lead and PFAS. Look for NSF-certified filters, as those are up to government standards.
- Eat with caution: Wash your produce, choose organic, and try to consume fish that are low in mercury content.
- Check labels: Carefully read the labels on your cleaning and personal care products. Learn about different ingredients and try to identify safer options.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: If possible, consider investing in an air purifier. You can also bring home some houseplants. Plants like snake plants and peace lilies are capable of naturally filtering indoor air.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Use containers made of glass or stainless steel in the kitchen, especially when heating food and liquids.
The decisions you make during pregnancy can have effects that last forever. By taking these steps to reduce exposure, you may be giving your baby a completely different life.
As a bonus, the healthy habits you build during pregnancy will only benefit your family in the years to come!
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