Source: PixabayFlame retardant chemicals found in products such as yoga mats are thought to be tied to disrupted fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), according to a recent study.

In high urinary concentrations, organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) — which can be found in other products such as upholstered furniture and baby products — are associated with the reduced likelihood of pregnancy and live birth after IVF.

"These findings suggest that exposure to PFRs may be one of many risk factors for lower reproductive success," said lead author Courtney Carignan, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Originally thought to be a safe alternative to the flame retardant PentaBDE used in polyurethane foam, PFRs are capable of migrating from furniture and other products and into the air causing, among other things, hormone disruption.

The study is published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.