US scientists have discovered that 80 percent of women experiencing fertility issues have traces of PFR (Products with Flame-Retardant) chemicals in their bodies. Research conducted at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, now suggests that products that consist of PFRs can potentially damage the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) concentration in women, thereby leading to problems with reproductive systems in women. This type of flame retardant chemical substance is often found in products like yoga mats.
PFRs pose a major risk
Lead author of the study, Courtney Carignan said that the findings confirm that PFRs pose a major risk for women’s reproductive health.
This chemical is also found in several other products including furniture and baby items. According to a report by Express, couples have now begun opting for products that are flame-retardant free. Other experts in the field including Professor Richard Anderson from Edinburgh University also confirmed that PFRs is a growing concern that requires immediate attention.
“PentaBDE” is also a threat
Earlier reports have suggested that a chemical named “PentaBDE,” similar to PFRs also held a direct threat to women’s fertility systems. However, PentaBDE was gradually phased out and replaced by PFRs. Initially, when testing involving PFRs were carried out on lab animals, it was found that it severely disrupted their hormones.
The product was thus, only made for limited use in items that didn’t hold any form of direct contact with humans. The study discovered that women with higher concentrations of PFRs were found to have declined the chances of having a baby by ten per cent. Furthermore, they experienced a roughly thirty-one per cent decline in implanting embryo and around forty-one per cent decreased chances of detecting a successful clinical pregnancy.
According to Indian Express, yoga mats also consist of a chemical called “azodicarbonamide,” that essentially causes conditions like asthma and other respiratory symptoms in humans. Over exposure to such chemicals can also lead to problems relating to skin and ingestion, a report by the World Health Organization claims. Yoga mats that consist of PVCs, have been recognized by Environmental Protection Agency as increasing the chances of detecting liver damage and cancer.
People are advised to avoid sharing yoga mats, as they spread diseases too. For example, health problems like colds and flu can easily be transported through shared mats. Other communicable issues include plantar warts, skin infections and athlete’s foot.
