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God saves man, who save himself. The body of a pregnant woman is already under increased stress. He doesn’t need extra stress and trials.
To give up cigarettes, alcohol, eat fewer allergenic foods – these are all common and self-evident things when it comes to pregnancy. But nail polish? Air freshener? Shampoo? Even they can be dangerous.
Recently, American scientists found that there are 232 compounds that can negatively affect an unborn child. And they are all our faithful everyday companions.
So, ten of the worst household poisons – and where they can occur.
1. Lead
Why is it dangerous: This powerful neurotoxic metal can cause brain damage, nervous system upset, learning difficulties, and hyperactivity. In addition, it can slow down the growth of the baby, both in utero and after birth.
Lead can be in the water if the pipes are old. It is easy to inhale with old paint. It’s in Chinese dishes – remember the melamine scandal? And yes, melamine sponges are not useful either. Even low-quality cosmetics can contain lead: they found, for example, lipstick, in which there were coloring pigments containing this metal. There is quite a lot of lead in the air if you live in a metropolis.
How to avoid: buy a household water filter just in case. Do not use plastic utensils. Conduct an audit of the cosmetic bag: only high-quality cosmetics should remain there. Better – based on natural ingredients. And absolutely ideal – to move out of town, away from smog and closer to nature.
2. Mercury
Why is it dangerous: inhibits the development of the brain and nervous system. We are exposed to mercury every day: it gets into the air when coal is burned in power plants. Mercury gets into oceans and freshwater lakes, rivers and streams and infects fish. The concentration of mercury is especially high in large predatory fish: tuna, shark, swordfish, mackerel. In general, the case when seafood ceases to be useful.
How to avoid: Choose seafood that is high in fatty acids and low in mercury: shrimp, pollock, tilapia, cod, anchovies, sardines, and trout. And swap your old mercury thermometers for digital ones.
3. Polychlorinated biphenyls
Why are they dangerous: a persistent organic pollutant that scientists consider to be a carcinogen. It affects the human nervous, reproductive and immune systems. These substances – PCBs – have long been banned, but can still literally poison people’s lives.
PCBs can enter the human body together with food: with meat or fish, if a cow grazed on an infected meadow, and the fish was fed with food grown on poisonous soil. In addition, PCBs are found in packaging materials: in packs for crackers and pasta, for example. In addition, PCBs can be found in ink.
How to avoid: PCBs are concentrated in fat, so eat less red meat and oily fish. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, less food packed in cardboard boxes. And subscribe to the online version of your favorite magazine.
4. Formaldehyde
Why are they dangerous: Experiments have shown that the effect of formaldehyde on pregnant females (not women, they still do not put experiments on humans) leads to the birth of offspring with a weight below normal, with lung lesions and an undermined immune system.
Formaldehydes are found in everyday life almost everywhere: in carpets, furniture varnish and chipboard furniture in general, in fabric softeners, in cosmetics and shampoos. It is also a byproduct of smoking tobacco and burning natural gas.
How to avoid: read labels on shampoos and other personal care products carefully. Choose varnishes and other personal care products that do not contain this poison. If you are unsure, do your manicure only in a well-ventilated area. Avoid aerosols, from deodorants to air fresheners. Refrain from hair straightening procedures, give up, at least temporarily, from keratin restoration. It would be nice, of course, to change the furniture to made of natural wood, but here, not everything is in our power. But at least ventilate the room as often as possible.
5. Phthalates
Why are they dangerous: can cause infertility, premature birth, underweight newborns, and babies are predisposed to obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Phthalates are chemical compounds that help soften plastic. This is the substance that allows nail polish or body lotion to be applied easily and evenly. Air fresheners, perfumes, detergents, personal care products are all scented with phthalates.
How to avoid: read labels! Leave air fresheners (and for the car too) to the enemy, scented wipes, perfumed body care products – there. Anyway, try to use fewer personal care products – forgive me for this advice. The body does not need an extra chemical load during this period. In addition, phthalates are found in plastic, so don’t microwave food in containers. And replace vinyl shower curtains with washable cotton curtains – vinyl also contains phthalates.
6. Fire resistant materials
Why are they dangerous: Ethers, which are impregnated with various materials to make them fireproof, can cause metabolic disorders, brain growth and development, thyroid disease, and also affect the cognitive abilities and behavior of children.
These substances can be found almost everywhere: in plastic cases of household appliances, in furniture upholstery and mattresses. In addition, as production waste, they enter the soil and water, contaminating fish.
How to avoid: furniture can be covered with covers, and otherwise surround yourself with things made from natural materials. And less plastic.
7. Toluene
Why is it dangerous: can slow down the mental development and growth of the child, destroys the kidneys and liver, lowers the immune system and affects the reproductive system. But do not panic: in order to reach such consequences, contact with toluene must be quite intense.
Toluene is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is used as a solvent. Contained in varnishes and removers, thinners and paints, and gasoline. It evaporates easily, so it is very easy to get too much toluene vapor just by breathing.
How to avoid: do not mess with paints and varnishes, stay away from glue. And let your husband fill the car – at this time it is better for you to wait for him at the exit from the gas station.
8. Non-stick coating
Why is it dangerous: Contains perfluorinated organic compounds – chemicals that are designed to make materials “non-stick”, resistant to abrasion. They are used not only in non-stick cookware, but also in the manufacture of microwave popcorn packages, pizza boxes and ready-made dinners, they are even found in carpets and furniture.
The effect of these substances on the body of pregnant women has not yet been studied, but scientists have already found out that mothers with these compounds in their blood gave birth to children with a lack of weight. In addition, the newborns’ head circumference was less than normal.
How to avoid: do not use products to protect clothing and furniture from stains. Better to wash or wash once more. Scratched non-stick cookware is best avoided. And when buying a new one, make sure that the label is marked “PFOA-free” or “PFOS-free”. Well, you will have to give up food with delivery or takeaway. Or pick it up in your package.
9. Asbestos
Why is it dangerous: can cause cancer.
This material is widely used in construction: for the manufacture of vinyl tiles, drywall, ceiling tiles. In addition, it can be found in water – in some places, asbestos is found in the soil.
How to avoid: all the same water filter – firstly. Secondly, if you are starting a renovation, carefully check what your building materials are made of. It is better to overdo it than to miss it.
10. Bisphenol A
Why is it dangerous: destroys the endocrine system, negatively affects the reproductive system, increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer, can cause behavioral disorders. In addition, it provokes miscarriages, infertility, erectile dysfunction, diabetes and heart disease.
Bisphenol A is widely used to make hard plastic. Plastic bottles, baby bottles, food containers, dishes – that’s it all. In addition, this connection is used to print receipts at cash registers. Sometimes epoxy, which contains bisphenol A, is used to treat beverage cans to prevent corrosion.
How to avoid: avoid canned food and food packed in plastic. It is better not to put plastic dishes in the microwave and do not put hot food in it. And if plastic cannot be avoided, it should be labeled “BPA free”.