Continuing Coverage: Researchers at UTMB have determined that maternal exposure to high levels of flame-retardants may be a contributing factor in preterm births. The investigators collected and analyzed blood samples from pregnant women when they were admitted to the hospital for labor and delivery. he levels of flame-retardant chemicals in peoples’ bodies have been rising since companies started putting these compounds on their products. Scientists have detected these chemicals in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord tissue, fetal tissue and breast milk. “Since stopping the use or exposure of flame-retardants during pregnancy is not likely, our laboratory is currently studying the mechanisms by which flame retardants cause preterm birth,” said lead author Ramkumar Menon. “Understanding these mechanisms might help us to reduce the incidence of preterm birth caused by flame retardants.”