Flame Retardants in Pregnancy Mess With Blood Sugar
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
Women exposed to organophosphate flame retardants during pregnancy, especially those with a history of gestational diabetes, face worse blood sugar problems after delivery.
Flame Retardants and Postpartum Blood Sugar
A 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf examined the joint association of organophosphate ester exposure and gestational diabetes history with blood sugar metabolism in the early postpartum period. The combination was linked to worse glycometabolism after giving birth.
Organophosphate esters are flame retardants in furniture, electronics, and building materials. They're also in household dust. Pregnant women breathe them in and absorb them through skin contact.
What You Can Do
Dust your home regularly with damp cloths. Ventilate rooms. Choose furniture without flame retardant treatments. Browse non-toxic baby products for safer options during and after pregnancy.