Exposure to organophosphate esters, found in everything from furniture and clothing to food containers, has been linked to pregnancy complications and childhood obesity. This was reported by daily mail.
Introduced in the mid-2000s to replace toxic alternatives, organophosphorus esters are used to add fire resistance to textiles, children’s toys, construction materials, televisions and household appliances. They are also added to some plastic items, such as food containers, to make them more flexible. They gradually decompose and turn into dust, so people can be exposed to them through the skin or by breathing indoor dust.
Researchers analyzed data from six thousand pregnant women and found a link between childhood obesity and the level of organophosphate esters in pregnant women’s urine.
These substances can affect thyroid hormone levels, causing inflammation in pregnant women, which can lead to high birth weight of babies and an increased risk of premature birth. High birth weight is associated with childhood obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Previous studies have also shown that exposure to organophosphate esters may be associated with lower IQ and attention span in children.
The authors noted that it is nearly impossible for consumers to avoid exposure to the chemicals studied. That’s why they recommend limiting their use.
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