UBC study on Chemicals Health and Pregnancy seeks volunteers

The UBC Chemicals, Health and Pregnancy study (www.cher.ubc.ca/chirp) is currently recruiting pregnant women from the Vancouver area who are less than 15 weeks pregnant, and are planning to deliver at either BC Women’s, St. Paul’s hospital or at home.

Many chemicals, including flame retardants (such as Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or “PBDEs”) and stain and water repellents (such as Perfluorinated compounds or “PFCs”) are found in the home and workplace environment. Some of these chemicals leach out of consumer products and are able to build up in human tissues.

We are investigating whether these chemicals, which are found at low levels in all Canadians, have an influence on thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy. This question is important because thyroid hormones help to control fetal brain development. We are also trying to identify the main sources of human exposure to these chemicals.

This study will help to determine if the levels of PBDEs and PFCs found in the Vancouver region might be of concern for public health, and will teach us how to reduce exposures to these chemicals in the future.

Since it is very difficult to find women early in pregnancy, please pass this information on to any friends or colleagues who might be interested in participating! We will be recruiting until at least December 2007.

For more information, please visit www.cher.ubc.ca/chirp, or call Glenys at 604 827-5454.