Domestic Exposure to Chemicals in Household Products, Building Materials, Decoration, and Pesticides: Guidelines for Interventions During the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives

Abstract

Introduction We are exposed to numerous pollutants inside our homes. The perinatal period represents a particular window of vulnerability during which these exposures can have negative health effects over a more or less long term. The objective of this article is to formulate guidelines for health care professionals and intended for parents to reduce exposure to chemical pollutants at home, based on the scientific literature and already existing guidelines. Methods We have followed the methodological procedures set forth by the French authority for health (HAS) to establish guidelines to limit exposure to pollutants in homes. This narrative review of the scientific literature was conducted with two principal objectives: (1) to identify priority substances emitted within homes and that have a reprotoxic potential and (2) to identify measures to limit exposure to these residential pollutants. The guidelines were developed from the data in the literature and from advice already made available by diverse institutions about environmental health during the perinatal period. Results Domestic pollutants are numerous and come from both common (that is, shared, eg, painting, cleaning, and maintenance work) and specific (use of household pesticides) sources. Numerous pollutants are suspected or known to produce developmental toxicity, that is, to be toxic to children during developmental stages. Removing some products from the home, protecting the vulnerable (ie, pregnant women and young children) from exposure, and airing the home are among the preventive measures proposed to limit exposure to these chemical substances. Conclusion Health care professionals can provide advice to parents during the perinatal period to diminish exposure to household pollutants. The lack of interventional studies nonetheless limits the level of evidence for most of these recommendations.

Protecting Infants from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death: Guidelines for Interventions during the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives

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Intervention during the Perinatal Period: Synthesis of the Clinical Practice Guidelines from the French National College of Midwives

“…Theme 3: Household Exposure to Substances Toxic for Pregnancy and Development ‐ Chapter n°4: Domestic Exposure to Chemicals: Household Products, Building Materials, Decoration, and Pesticides 25 ‐ Chapter n°5: Use of Cosmetic Products in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Young Children 26 …”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – unravelling exposure sources and demographical exposure patterns in a Swedish adolescent population

“…Yet, PFAS is not the only chemical group of concern for human health. Humans are exposed to a plethora of chemical compounds on a regular basis, including industrial chemicals and chemicals found in building materials, household products, cosmetics and hygiene products, to name a few (Panico et al 2019;Rousseau et al 2022;Marroquin et al 2023). There consequently exists a need to understand, not only the potential effects of PFAS exposure on human health but also of possible combined effects that chemical mixtures may have on human health.…”