title: Pregnant Women's perceptions of exposure to brominated flame retardants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent media reports on human studies associating brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in household products in pregnancy with urogenital anomalies in boys and endocrine disruption in both sexes. We sought to explore the perceptions of pregnant women of brominated flame retardant (BFR) exposure, in light of recent media reports on the adverse health effects of BFR exposure prenatally.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pregnant women were recruited for interviews through posters and pamphlets in prenatal clinics, prenatal fairs and community centres. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for Charmaz-based qualitative analysis supported by NVIVO 10™.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Theoretical sufficiency was reached after analyzing the interviews of 23 pregnant women. Themes co-constructed were: I-Lack of Awareness of BFRs; II-Factors Influencing BFR Exposure; III-Responsibility; IV-Informed Choice. Almost all participants felt it was difficult to make informed choices to avoid BFRs, and wanted communication from clinicians and regulation from governments regarding decreasing BFR exposure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pregnant women in Canada may be unaware of the potential risks of exposure to BFRs. Professional organizations and governments should further study risk associated with BFR exposure in pregnancy and provide educational materials for pregnant women and clinicians regarding BFR exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Goodyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rab
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ashley
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hodgson
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. jeff.nisker@lhsc.on.ca.|Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada. jeff.nisker@lhsc.on.ca.|Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Scientist, Children's Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, Rm E2-620E, 800 Commissioners Rd E., London, Ontario, N6A 5W9, Canada. jeff.nisker@lhsc.on.ca.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nisker
mesh_terms: D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000633:toxicity*; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / Q000633:toxicity*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006795:Household Products / Q000592:standards / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012306:Risk; D000078329:Workforce
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D005411:Flame Retardants; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
keywords: Brominated flame retardants; Endocrine disruption; Household chemicals in pregnancy; Maternal exposure; Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs); Prenatal exposure