Tag: Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment

Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what the science tells us and why it matters right now

~ PRHE

As massive wildfires send smoke billowing across the mid-Atlantic, northeastern United States, and Midwest, many people are focused on the immediate effects of breathing smoky air: burning eyes, irritated throats, and worsening asthma. But for pregnant women, the risks may run deeper and last longer than the smoke itself. Wildfires are no longer just a … Continue reading Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what the science tells us and why it matters right now

Why social conditions must be part of environmental health risk

~ PRHE

When we talk about the health risks of toxic chemical exposure, we tend to focus on the chemicals themselves — how much, how long, how often. But the research my colleagues and I published recently in Journal Of Exposure Science And Environmental Epidemiology argues that this picture is incomplete in ways that matter enormously, especially for … Continue reading Why social conditions must be part of environmental health risk

New clues on how PFAS may disrupt placental function

~ PRHE

A new study from UC San Francisco, published yesterday in Environmental Science & Technology, provides clues to how PFAS may contribute to pregnancy complications and adverse developmental outcomes.  Forever chemicals such as PFOA and other PFAS contaminate drinking water supplies across the United States, are detected in the blood of nearly all pregnant women, and … Continue reading New clues on how PFAS may disrupt placental function

Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what expecting parents need to know

~ PRHE

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across the United States, a major new study reveals important findings about how smoke exposure affects pregnant women and their babies. The growing threat Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, exposing millions of Americans to smoke-filled air. For pregnant people, this isn't … Continue reading Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what expecting parents need to know

Common pesticides may disrupt placental health

~ PRHE

Pregnancy depends on a healthy placenta, but how environmental chemicals affect placental development is still poorly understood. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to common pesticides may increase the risk of pregnancy complications. In our new study examining pregnancy risks from pesticides, one pesticide stood out: naled. You might not have heard of naled - an … Continue reading Common pesticides may disrupt placental health

The chemical lobby is trying to weaken the law that protects people from toxic chemicals

~ PRHE

Toxic chemicals and pollutants are contributing to a rise in chronic disease including cancer, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart disease, autism, and infertility. Yet, the chemical lobby is trying to rewrite the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the one law designed to protect people from harmful chemicals. If they are successful, it could result in significantly higher … Continue reading The chemical lobby is trying to weaken the law that protects people from toxic chemicals

Scientists identify hundreds of chemicals from plastics in people

~ PRHE

Hundreds of plastic-related chemicals were identified in pregnant women by scientists at UC San Francisco in a study published today in Environment & Health Journal. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals have little to no current exposure data, which means little is known about how much they are impacting people and their health. “It is extremely … Continue reading Scientists identify hundreds of chemicals from plastics in people