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| Chemical exposure during pregnancy may affect women later in life, a study found. |
According to a prospective cohort study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, women who were exposed to low doses of water and stain resistant chemicals (found in fast food packaging and household products) could have more body weight.
Men were not affected, the study found.
The two-decade study showed that women were three times more likely to gain more weight and large waists as young adults than women less exposed during development.
The chemical in question is perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and gives some credibility to the widespread concern that environmental pollution (even low concentrations of chemical exposures) may play a role in the obesity epidemic the world is currently experiencing.
The link between environmental pollution and obesity
Obesity rates in children and adults have skyrocketed and are accompanied by health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, which taxes the public health system.
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| Non-stick cookware can expose people to PFOA. |
Individual choices such as eating processed foods, getting less activity and being oblivious about exposure to environmental chemicals can contribute to the concern.
The chemical PFOA is also known as C8 and can be found in the coating of non-stick pans, water-resistant clothing, microwave popcorn bags, stain resistant treatments on carpets and furniture, carpet cleaning agents and some paints.
Almost everyone has traces of PFOA in the blood; the chemicals are contaminating many foods and homes and they break down very slowly, so even industry efforts to use less of the chemicals in products won’t make much of a difference for a while (but it’s a good step!).
Source: Environmental Health News
Air purifiers to help remove chemicals and other toxins from our air
Getting informed and making better choices, insisting on good ventilation and air cleaning can all help reduce individual exposure to chemicals and other toxins.
AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers feature the most effective and long-lasting air filters to provide complete overall protection from the most common pollutants.
The units in the 5000 Series, 6000 Series, AirMedic Series and other products contain deep-bed activated carbon filters for the removal of gases, chemicals, odors and VOCs, HEPA filters for trapping particles and dust as well as allergens and optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.
The air purifiers are stand-alone units that can easily be moved from space to space as needed, and they are among the most versatile units on the market which can accommodate changing indoor air concerns as well.
For more information and individual recommendations, please contact AllerAir to speak to one of their IAQ experts: 888-852-8247.
