9 Reasons Why Pesticide Exposure Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy
Posted Oct 14 2011 1:07pm
Pesticides are chemicals used to treat agricultural crops, backyard landscapes, indoor insect infestations, and prevent mosquito bites, but what you may not know is how pesticide exposure is harming you and your unborn baby. Avoid pesticides whenever possible and your baby will thank you.
1. Pesticides may lower your unborn baby’s IQ
Exposure to Pesticides During Pregnancy A class of pesticides known as organophsphates may cause your baby to have a lower IQ if you’re exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy. By testing levels of the pesticides in the urine of pregnant mothers and then testing the children’s IQ at age 7, scientists found that the children with the highest exposures displayed IQs seven points lower than the national average.
Mothers with the least exposure seemed to have children with IQs seven points higher than the average. If you live or work in an agricultural setting where pesticides are applied on a regular basis, be sure that you avoid exposure during spray-days by leaving the area whenever possible and wearing protective clothing when you cannot.
Pesticides are chemicals used to treat agricultural crops, backyard landscapes, indoor insect infestations, and prevent mosquito bites, but what you may not know is how pesticide exposure is harming you and your unborn baby. Avoid pesticides whenever possible and your baby will thank you.
1. Pesticides may lower your unborn baby’s IQ
Exposure to Pesticides During Pregnancy A class of pesticides known as organophsphates may cause your baby to have a lower IQ if you’re exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy. By testing levels of the pesticides in the urine of pregnant mothers and then testing the children’s IQ at age 7, scientists found that the children with the highest exposures displayed IQs seven points lower than the national average.
Mothers with the least exposure seemed to have children with IQs seven points higher than the average. If you live or work in an agricultural setting where pesticides are applied on a regular basis, be sure that you avoid exposure during spray-days by leaving the area whenever possible and wearing protective clothing when you cannot.
Click Here to Read More..