Firestormm
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One must surely ask, where were the vaunted Science Media Centre when this debacle hit the airwaves?
I am sure that the Science Media Centre - if asked - would respond that it didn't fall within their remit or something, but it made me wonder. When this was discussed this morning on BBC Radio 4, it was with an air of absolute disbelief over the stupidity of this 'advice' or rather 'non-advice'.
n.b. Tracey Brown was on the Radio this morning also. Don't recall her saying much more than is said or implied above; namely what is needed is evidence not spurious and alarmist warnings.
I feel sorry for the pregnant woman who reads/hears the unabridged version of this 'news'. Jees...
5 June 2013 Last updated at 00:11
Pregnancy safety advice prompts criticism
By Michelle Roberts Health editor, BBC News online
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has been criticised for saying pregnant women may want to "play it safe" and avoid chemicals found in many common household products.
It says there is not enough information about the chemical risks to foetuses from cosmetics and food packaging.
Items which it suggests should be avoided include tinned food, ready meals, shower gel and even new cars.
Critics say the advice is unhelpful, unrealistic and alarmist.
The RCOG says its paper on the issue is informing women and filling a void - until now, there has been no official advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women to turn to.
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Among other warnings:
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- Cosmetic products and toiletries such as moisturisers, shower gel and sunscreen could, theoretically, also pose a chemical risk
- Cleaning products, air fresheners and non-stick frying pans can be added to the hazard list
- Pregnant women might also want to avoid decorating the new baby's room with fresh paint as breathing the fumes may be harmful
Tracey Brown, of Sense About Science, said:
"Pregnancy is a time when people spend a lot of time and money trying to work out which advice to follow, and which products to buy or avoid. The simple question parents want answered during pregnancy is: 'Should we be worried?'
"What we need is help in navigating these debates about chemicals and pregnancy. Disappointingly, the RCOG report has ducked this."
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I am sure that the Science Media Centre - if asked - would respond that it didn't fall within their remit or something, but it made me wonder. When this was discussed this morning on BBC Radio 4, it was with an air of absolute disbelief over the stupidity of this 'advice' or rather 'non-advice'.
n.b. Tracey Brown was on the Radio this morning also. Don't recall her saying much more than is said or implied above; namely what is needed is evidence not spurious and alarmist warnings.
I feel sorry for the pregnant woman who reads/hears the unabridged version of this 'news'. Jees...