How can you restrict the amount of chemicals you’re exposed to?
Dangerous chemicals -- they’re in our food, our water, and even in the dust we breathe in.
New research shows Black and Hispanic pregnant women are exposed to more of them, WSB reports, but researchers say it’s especially important to limit chemicals during pregnancy.
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Yesenia Rios-Rey used to have multi-colored dyed hair, wear lots of makeup and have long, fake nails. But during pregnancy, she went for a different kind of “glow-up” -- an all natural, pregnancy glow -- by cutting out chemicals.
“I feel more energetic, less fatigued,” Rios-Rey said. “It helps you love yourself more as well. Like emotional-wise.”
A study published by the American Chemical Society in May looked into the relationship between chemicals and pregnant women. Researchers tested urine previously collected during the pregnancy of 171 women in five states. The study found chemicals in all of them; 100% tested positive for a pesticide.
Black and Hispanic women had more exposure to more chemicals.
“And this is probably based a lot on structural racism or other factors that are feeding into the types of products that people use,” said Emory University’s Carmen Marsit, Ph.D. “The types of foods that are available to them are different cultural differences.”
Scientists say more chemical exposure during pregnancy can lead to more developmental and behavioral problems for children.
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“Things like lower IQ, symptoms that are ADHD, there’s a lot of concern about autism,” said University of California San Francisco’s Tracey Woodruff, Ph.D.
Limiting your exposure
To limit your exposure, researchers say watch what you put on your body. Don’t dye your hair, don’t use polish, acrylic or other chemicals on your nails, and stay away from perfume.
But the most important thing you can do is watch what you put into your body. Stay away from processed food and stick to fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, and try to eat organic.
“Studies show that if you eat organic, it does result in lower exposures to a number of different pesticides,” Dr. Woodruff said.
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Even with all those efforts, researchers admit it’s really hard to avoid chemicals. But Yesenia Rios-Rey was up for the challenge, taking every step possible to limit her exposure and protect her baby.
“Is is it better to just stay away from it? Or do you want to dibble and dabble and test your luck? And honestly I don’t like trying to test my luck,” she said.
Researchers say you can also do things around your home to limit the exposure to chemicals, including cleaning with vinegar and baking soda instead of store-bought products.
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